CUET 2024 Results: Universities Implement Staggered Session Start Amid Faculty Concerns
Amid delays in the Common University Entrance Test – Undergraduate (CUET-UG) results, universities are devising tentative timeframes to commence the new academic session. While most programs will begin in the first week of August, new entrants will experience a staggered start due to the delayed results.
Amid delays in the Common University Entrance Test – Undergraduate (CUET-UG) results, universities are devising tentative timeframes to commence the new academic session. While most programs will begin in the first week of August, new entrants will experience a staggered start due to the delayed results.
Impact on Central Universities
Delhi University (DU)
- New Academic Session Start Date: August 1, 2024 (excluding first-semester students)
- First Semester Start Date: Tentatively August 16, 2024
- Registered Students: Approximately 1.75 lakh
Prof Haneet Gandhi, dean of admissions at DU, emphasized that the staggered start creates challenges, including a teaching-learning gap for new students. This gap arises as third and fifth semesters commence exams while first-semester classes are ongoing.
Ambedkar University of Delhi (AUD)
- Postgraduate Admissions: Ongoing
- Undergraduate Seats: 1,141 (based on CUET-UG scores)
- Session Start Date: First week of August
An AUD official mentioned that the academic calendar would need adjustments due to the delayed results.
Aligarh Muslim University (AMU) and Others
Similar measures are being taken by AMU and other central universities to accommodate the delay.
The CUET-UG Examination
CUET-UG, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), is an entrance test for undergraduate programs at central universities. However, the NTA has faced controversies, including paper leaks and irregularities in NEET-UG and the cancellation of several exams.
Result Delay and Re-Test
- Original Result Date: June 30, 2024
- Re-Test Date: July 19, 2024 (for 1,000 candidates dissatisfied with the provisional answer keys)
- Expected Result Date: July 22, 2024
The re-test announcement has further delayed the results, impacting the academic calendar for new entrants.
Faculty and Student Concerns
Challenges Highlighted by Faculty Members
Prof Abha D Habib from Miranda College pointed out the difficulties posed by the staggered academic calendar. She stressed the need for a synchronized start for all semesters to avoid teaching-learning gaps and logistical issues, such as room bookings for exams and classes.
Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) Perspective
DUTA President A K Bhagi criticized the NTA for the delays, emphasizing that it affects students who completed their Class 12 exams in March. Bhagi suggested that the government reconsider the CUET exam and explore alternative admission methods, such as calculating percentiles to equate marks across state boards.
Recommendations and Future Steps
Given the current scenario, stakeholders advocate for timely result announcements and synchronized academic calendars. The NTA and government bodies are urged to address the challenges posed by delayed results and consider alternative methods to streamline admissions.