CUET UG 2023: Candidates complaint about far-away exam centres

The applicants of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) 2023 are currently facing a significant challenge. They are dealing with the issue of multiple exams scheduled on the same day. Approximately 15 lakh aspirants from all over India have registered for CUET 2023, which is being conducted in 272 cities for admission into various undergraduate courses. However, the exam timetable has caused distress among the candidates. The CUET commenced on May 21 in multiple phases, and on specific days, students have been assigned up to seven subjects to be taken on a single day. This demanding schedule, coupled with the requirement to take exams from 7 am to 9 pm, has resulted in immense stress for the students.

Adding to their frustration, there have been delays in the delivery of city slips and admit cards. Initially, the National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for overseeing CUET, had promised to deliver the city slips by April 30. However, only the candidates appearing in the first phase of exams, scheduled from May 21 to May 24, received their slips, and that too on May 14. This delay has posed a significant challenge for students who need ample time to plan their travel arrangements, especially during the busy summer vacation period.

One candidate from Jammu & Kashmir expressed her discontent on Twitter, questioning why she had to travel a distance of "628.5 km" from Kashmir to Patiala just to secure admission in her state university, which is a mere 53 km away from her place. She also highlighted the financial burden faced by economically disadvantaged individuals in affording such travel expenses. Another candidate complained about being assigned an exam center 500 km away from his location. Students have also raised concerns about the clash of CUET 2023 dates with ICSI exams.

M. Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman of the University Grants Commission, acknowledged the issues faced by candidates during the first phase of CUET-UG exams. He confirmed that around 2 percent of the exam centers, approximately 12 out of 450, experienced delayed exam commencements due to factors like power outages, staggered entry requirements, and student tardiness. These delays further compounded scheduling problems and congestion.

CUET UG 2023 is mandatory for students seeking admission to undergraduate programs at central universities, state universities, and specific private institutions. In the first phase of the exam, a total of 2,65,248 students participated across 458 centers. The CUET 2023 is expected to conclude in the first week of June.