News Analysis India

Tag: CUET-UG

  • CUET-UG: Exams started late in 2 per cent of examination centres: UGC Chairman

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The Common University Entrance Test-Undergraduate (CUET-UG ) exams, which began Sunday, started late in two per cent of the centres due to varied reasons such as power fluctuations, said UGC Chairman Prof M Jagadesh Kumar.

    He said exams started late in 12 out of 450 examination centres, however, the first day of the second edition of the CUET-UG went off smoothly.

    Giving details, Kumar said: “In 2% of centers (approximately 12 out of 450 today), the exam started later than scheduled but was successfully completed.”

    “The exam started late due to a couple of reasons, such as power fluctuations in some centers and, in others, students needing to follow staggered entry. Students were informed in the admit cards to enter the center in a staggered manner. But in a few centers, since they came late, there was crowding and subsequent delay in the start of the exam,” he said.

    He requested students to henceforth come in a staggered way to avoid a repeat of such a situation.

    “We have now taken administrative measures to prevent such situations in the future. In many cities, we have also taken help from the traffic police to minimize traffic jams around the centers,” he told this paper.

    This time, the National Testing Agency (NTA), which is conducting the exam, held the exams in three shifts.

    “All three shifts in the first phase (21 – 24 May) have been completed successfully, with a total number of candidates scheduled today, around 2,65,248,” he said.

    Shift 1 (from 8.30 am to 10.30 am) concluded well in all 271 cities and 447 centers, he said.

    The total number of candidates scheduled in shift 1 was 87,879.

    The shift 2 (12-2 pm) of CUET-UG also went off well in all 272 cities and 448 centers. The total number of candidates scheduled in shift 2 was 87,903.

    Shift 3(6.30 to 10.30 pm) also concluded well in all 271 cities and 458 centers. The total number of candidates scheduled in shift 3 was around 89,466.

    In the first two shifts, there was 77 per cent attendance, while in the third shift, the percentage stood at 74 per cent.  “Today’s attendance was 76%, a significant jump from last year, around 62%,” he added.

    As there were complaints from students and parents that they were made to stand in the scorching sun before the commencement of the exam, the UGC chief said they provided basic amenities like water, refreshments, and covered shelters/waiting areas to candidates and their parents/guardians.

    “Candidates and their parents were also regularly informed about the steps taken and the exam start status in the centers where there was a delay in starting the test. We will continue to take measures to provide a better experience to the students sitting for CUET-UG,” he added.

    For the second phase (25-28 May), he said, they are working to provide admit cards by May 22 or May 23.

    The NTA will announce the city information slips for the third phase (May 29-June 2) on May 23. In the first phase, May 21-24, 8 lakh students are slated to appear for the exam for admission to undergraduate courses.

    This year, a total of 16.85 lakh students have registered for the entrance exam, out of which 13.95 lakh paid the application fee and submitted the form. This year saw a 41 per cent increase in student numbers from the debut edition last year. 

    NEW DELHI: The Common University Entrance Test-Undergraduate (CUET-UG ) exams, which began Sunday, started late in two per cent of the centres due to varied reasons such as power fluctuations, said UGC Chairman Prof M Jagadesh Kumar.

    He said exams started late in 12 out of 450 examination centres, however, the first day of the second edition of the CUET-UG went off smoothly.

    Giving details, Kumar said: “In 2% of centers (approximately 12 out of 450 today), the exam started later than scheduled but was successfully completed.”googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    “The exam started late due to a couple of reasons, such as power fluctuations in some centers and, in others, students needing to follow staggered entry. Students were informed in the admit cards to enter the center in a staggered manner. But in a few centers, since they came late, there was crowding and subsequent delay in the start of the exam,” he said.

    He requested students to henceforth come in a staggered way to avoid a repeat of such a situation.

    “We have now taken administrative measures to prevent such situations in the future. In many cities, we have also taken help from the traffic police to minimize traffic jams around the centers,” he told this paper.

    This time, the National Testing Agency (NTA), which is conducting the exam, held the exams in three shifts.

    “All three shifts in the first phase (21 – 24 May) have been completed successfully, with a total number of candidates scheduled today, around 2,65,248,” he said.

    Shift 1 (from 8.30 am to 10.30 am) concluded well in all 271 cities and 447 centers, he said.

    The total number of candidates scheduled in shift 1 was 87,879.

    The shift 2 (12-2 pm) of CUET-UG also went off well in all 272 cities and 448 centers. The total number of candidates scheduled in shift 2 was 87,903.

    Shift 3(6.30 to 10.30 pm) also concluded well in all 271 cities and 458 centers. The total number of candidates scheduled in shift 3 was around 89,466.

    In the first two shifts, there was 77 per cent attendance, while in the third shift, the percentage stood at 74 per cent.  “Today’s attendance was 76%, a significant jump from last year, around 62%,” he added.

    As there were complaints from students and parents that they were made to stand in the scorching sun before the commencement of the exam, the UGC chief said they provided basic amenities like water, refreshments, and covered shelters/waiting areas to candidates and their parents/guardians.

    “Candidates and their parents were also regularly informed about the steps taken and the exam start status in the centers where there was a delay in starting the test. We will continue to take measures to provide a better experience to the students sitting for CUET-UG,” he added.

    For the second phase (25-28 May), he said, they are working to provide admit cards by May 22 or May 23.

    The NTA will announce the city information slips for the third phase (May 29-June 2) on May 23. In the first phase, May 21-24, 8 lakh students are slated to appear for the exam for admission to undergraduate courses.

    This year, a total of 16.85 lakh students have registered for the entrance exam, out of which 13.95 lakh paid the application fee and submitted the form. This year saw a 41 per cent increase in student numbers from the debut edition last year. 

  • Nearly 14 lakh students to sit for CUET-UG, 41 percent jump from last year

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: The second edition of CUET-UG will see a 41 percent jump in the total number of students taking the examinations for admission in undergraduate courses at central universities.

    Also, the number of universities that have accepted the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) score has gone up from 90 in 2022 to 242 in 2023, University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof. M Jagadesh Kumar told The New Indian Express.

    In 2022, the debut year of CUET-UG, 12.50 lakh students registered, and 9.9 lakh students submitted their applications.

    In 2023, 16.85 lakh students registered, of which 13.995 lakhs paid the application fee and submitted the application form. This was an increase of 4 lakh students. “In 2023, there is a 41% increase in the total number of students who will sit for CUET-UG,” he said. The exams are scheduled from May 21 to 31.

    Prof Kumar said that among the five southern states – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu – the most significant number of students from Kerala will attempt CUET-UG this time.

    In 2022, 37,303 students from Kerala applied for CUET-UG, compared to 56,111 this year, showing an increase of 51 per cent.

    The second largest number of submitted applications in 2023 is from Tamil Nadu, which stands at 24,462, an increase of 45 per cent compared to 2022.

    The top three states where most students will appear in CUET-UG are Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Bihar. These three states were the top three states in 2022 too.

    ALSO READ | Over 7.5 lakh Indians opted to study abroad in 2022; US, Canada, UK preferred picks

    Out of 13.99 lakhs who will sit for CUET-UG in 2023, 6.51 lakhs are females and 7.48 lakhs are males. In 2022, out of 9.90 lakhs, 4.34 lakhs were females and 5.56 lakhs were males.

    “Compared to 2022, this year, the increase in female students is 50% compared to 34% in male students,” Prof. Kumar said.

    With more universities opting for CUET scores for admission, he said this “significant rise indicates that CUET-UG is becoming a popular option for admissions in UG programmes.”

    There is a substantial growth in the number of submitted applications of ST students. In 2022, it was 58,881. But in 2023, it rose to 95,119, indicating a rise of 61.5 per cent compared to 2022.

    A similar increase was seen in other categories too. For SC category students, the submitted applications in 2023 are 1,40,307, an increase of 35.5% compared to 2022.

    The number of submitted applications in 2023 for Other Backward Caste-Non Creamy Layer, General-unreserved, and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category students is 461022, 642443 and 60611, respectively.

    This indicates a rise of 45.2%, 39.6%, and 20.5% in the OBC-NCL, General-unreserved and EWS category applications compared to 2022, he added.

    The five central universities which have received the most significant number of applications for CUET-UG in 2023 are Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, University of Allahabad, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University and Jamia Millia Islamia. Last year, these universities were also the primary draw.

    There is a considerable jump in the number of students from the Jammu and Kashmir region. In 2022, a total of 13021 students took CUET-UG from this region. But in 2023, this number is 82655 representing an increase of 6.3 times.

    From the north-eastern region (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Sikkim), the number of students who will take CUET-UG has increased by 31% as compared to 2022. While 59,208 students took CUET-UG in 2022, it is 77,365 in 2023.

    Last year students from 59 countries submitted their applications for CUET-UG; this year, it has increased to 74 countries, with 1000 students spread across Europe, Asia, America and Gulf countries.

    Prof. Kumar said the CUET-UG score is not only used for admissions in B.A., B.Com, and B.Sc. in various disciplines; it is also used for admissions in various other programmes such as Integrated Dual Degree BBA LL.B, B.Voc., B. Des., Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor in Computer Application, Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Integrated  B.Sc.-M.Sc. or Integrated BA-MA.

    The score is also used for admissions in B.Tech in various engineering disciplines by many universities. It is also used for lateral entry of diploma holders in the second year of B.Tech, he added.

    NEW DELHI: The second edition of CUET-UG will see a 41 percent jump in the total number of students taking the examinations for admission in undergraduate courses at central universities.

    Also, the number of universities that have accepted the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) score has gone up from 90 in 2022 to 242 in 2023, University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Prof. M Jagadesh Kumar told The New Indian Express.

    In 2022, the debut year of CUET-UG, 12.50 lakh students registered, and 9.9 lakh students submitted their applications.googletag.cmd.push(function() {googletag.display(‘div-gpt-ad-8052921-2’); });

    In 2023, 16.85 lakh students registered, of which 13.995 lakhs paid the application fee and submitted the application form. This was an increase of 4 lakh students. “In 2023, there is a 41% increase in the total number of students who will sit for CUET-UG,” he said. The exams are scheduled from May 21 to 31.

    Prof Kumar said that among the five southern states – Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Kerala, Telangana, and Tamil Nadu – the most significant number of students from Kerala will attempt CUET-UG this time.

    In 2022, 37,303 students from Kerala applied for CUET-UG, compared to 56,111 this year, showing an increase of 51 per cent.

    The second largest number of submitted applications in 2023 is from Tamil Nadu, which stands at 24,462, an increase of 45 per cent compared to 2022.

    The top three states where most students will appear in CUET-UG are Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Bihar. These three states were the top three states in 2022 too.

    ALSO READ | Over 7.5 lakh Indians opted to study abroad in 2022; US, Canada, UK preferred picks

    Out of 13.99 lakhs who will sit for CUET-UG in 2023, 6.51 lakhs are females and 7.48 lakhs are males. In 2022, out of 9.90 lakhs, 4.34 lakhs were females and 5.56 lakhs were males.

    “Compared to 2022, this year, the increase in female students is 50% compared to 34% in male students,” Prof. Kumar said.

    With more universities opting for CUET scores for admission, he said this “significant rise indicates that CUET-UG is becoming a popular option for admissions in UG programmes.”

    There is a substantial growth in the number of submitted applications of ST students. In 2022, it was 58,881. But in 2023, it rose to 95,119, indicating a rise of 61.5 per cent compared to 2022.

    A similar increase was seen in other categories too. For SC category students, the submitted applications in 2023 are 1,40,307, an increase of 35.5% compared to 2022.

    The number of submitted applications in 2023 for Other Backward Caste-Non Creamy Layer, General-unreserved, and Economically Weaker Section (EWS) category students is 461022, 642443 and 60611, respectively.

    This indicates a rise of 45.2%, 39.6%, and 20.5% in the OBC-NCL, General-unreserved and EWS category applications compared to 2022, he added.

    The five central universities which have received the most significant number of applications for CUET-UG in 2023 are Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, University of Allahabad, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University and Jamia Millia Islamia. Last year, these universities were also the primary draw.

    There is a considerable jump in the number of students from the Jammu and Kashmir region. In 2022, a total of 13021 students took CUET-UG from this region. But in 2023, this number is 82655 representing an increase of 6.3 times.

    From the north-eastern region (Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Sikkim), the number of students who will take CUET-UG has increased by 31% as compared to 2022. While 59,208 students took CUET-UG in 2022, it is 77,365 in 2023.

    Last year students from 59 countries submitted their applications for CUET-UG; this year, it has increased to 74 countries, with 1000 students spread across Europe, Asia, America and Gulf countries.

    Prof. Kumar said the CUET-UG score is not only used for admissions in B.A., B.Com, and B.Sc. in various disciplines; it is also used for admissions in various other programmes such as Integrated Dual Degree BBA LL.B, B.Voc., B. Des., Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor in Computer Application, Bachelor of Physiotherapy, Integrated  B.Sc.-M.Sc. or Integrated BA-MA.

    The score is also used for admissions in B.Tech in various engineering disciplines by many universities. It is also used for lateral entry of diploma holders in the second year of B.Tech, he added.

  • CUET-UG results delayed, officials say may be out by 2 am

    By PTI

    NEW DELHI: The results for the debut edition of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET)-UG will take more time and are likely to be announced by 2 am Friday, according to NTA officials.

    Earlier during the day, UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar had said the results will be declared by 10 pm on Thursday. “It is a huge database given a large number of papers and subject combinations. The candidates have applied for 54,555 unique combination of subjects. The results should be up by around 2 am,” a senior National Testing Agency (NTA) official said late Thursday night.

    The debut edition of CUET-UG, a gateway for undergraduate admissions, began in July and concluded on August 30.

    According to the initial plan, all phases of the CUET-UG were scheduled to conclude on August 20.

    However, the exam was further deferred and split into six phases to accommodate students whose exam was rescheduled due to several glitches that marred the test.

    From technical glitches to last-minute change in exam centre and uninformed changes in exam dates to admit cards mentioning past dates, the students faced several issues during the exam.

    The University Grants Commission (UGC) chief had earlier said the exam was cancelled at several centres following reports of “sabotage”.

    With 14.9 lakh registrations, the CUET is now the second biggest entrance exam in the country, surpassing JEE-Main’s average registration of nine lakh.

    NEET-UG is the biggest entrance test in India with an average of 18 lakh applicants.

    NEW DELHI: The results for the debut edition of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET)-UG will take more time and are likely to be announced by 2 am Friday, according to NTA officials.

    Earlier during the day, UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar had said the results will be declared by 10 pm on Thursday. “It is a huge database given a large number of papers and subject combinations. The candidates have applied for 54,555 unique combination of subjects. The results should be up by around 2 am,” a senior National Testing Agency (NTA) official said late Thursday night.

    The debut edition of CUET-UG, a gateway for undergraduate admissions, began in July and concluded on August 30.

    According to the initial plan, all phases of the CUET-UG were scheduled to conclude on August 20.

    However, the exam was further deferred and split into six phases to accommodate students whose exam was rescheduled due to several glitches that marred the test.

    From technical glitches to last-minute change in exam centre and uninformed changes in exam dates to admit cards mentioning past dates, the students faced several issues during the exam.

    The University Grants Commission (UGC) chief had earlier said the exam was cancelled at several centres following reports of “sabotage”.

    With 14.9 lakh registrations, the CUET is now the second biggest entrance exam in the country, surpassing JEE-Main’s average registration of nine lakh.

    NEET-UG is the biggest entrance test in India with an average of 18 lakh applicants.

  • CUET Phase 2 exams from Aug 4: Admit cards issued, second chance for those who missed in July

    By Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Candidates who missed the CUET exam in the first phase in July due to a last-minute change of centre and cancellation will get another chance in the second phase, beginning August 4, officials said Tuesday.

    The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday also released admit cards for students appearing for exams on August 4, 5 and 6, two days before the second phase of the Central University Entrance Test undergraduate (CUET UG) will begin.

    The admit cards for the examinations to be held after August 6 will be issued later.

    The testing agency also announced that exams for candidates affected by floods and having other entrance and competitive examinations during this period had been shifted to August 12, 13 and 14 from August 4, 5 and 6, 2022, following various representations.

    Technical problems in the first phase marred the first-ever CUET. Exams were cancelled in two centres, one in West Bengal’s New Jalpaiguri and the other Punjab’s Pathankot.

    NTA said the 190 students who could not take the exams in these two centres can now take them. Many students complained that their exam centres were changed at the last minute, resulting in many missing it. NTA later formed a committee investigating these complaints and have now allowed 19 students to retake the exam.

    “Every effort is being made to provide candidates with their first choice of city. However, due to an insufficient number of registered candidates in a town or an inadequate number of secure nodes, a different city may have been allotted in some cases. This is being done as per the policy of the NTA,” NTA said.

    ALSO READ | Easy process, tough path, teething issues? CUET questions continue to bother aspirants

    However, such candidates have been given a choice to either avail the examination facility at a different city allotted now or exercise the option to appear in the earlier town at a later date, i.e., after August 10.

    These candidates are requested to exercise this option before downloading their admit cards, and their examinations will be scheduled after August 10.  This option can be seen on the official website of CUET (UG) for downloading the admit card.

    A few representations were also received from the candidates who had other entrance and competitive examinations during this period or who had been affected by floods, etc. “Such requests have been considered, and their city/date has been changed,” the testing agency said.

    Like in the first phase, the admit card was released two days before the exam.

    The Phase I exams were conducted on July 15, 16, 19 and 20, and the second phase exams are slated for August 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 20.

    According to the University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman, Professor M Jagadish Kumar, of the 2,50,495 candidates allotted slots in CUET 2022 phase one, 1,91,586 appeared in the exam. He said phase 1 saw 76.48 per cent attendance, while as many as 58,909 candidates missed it.

    Kumar had earlier informed that nearly 8 lakh 10 thousand students would appear in phase 1 and 6 lakh 80 thousand students will do so in phase 2 of the all-India-level exam for admission to various UG courses in 44 central and 46 other universities in India.

    (Download admit forms from the official website cuet.samarth.ac.in)

    NEW DELHI: Candidates who missed the CUET exam in the first phase in July due to a last-minute change of centre and cancellation will get another chance in the second phase, beginning August 4, officials said Tuesday.

    The National Testing Agency (NTA) on Tuesday also released admit cards for students appearing for exams on August 4, 5 and 6, two days before the second phase of the Central University Entrance Test undergraduate (CUET UG) will begin.

    The admit cards for the examinations to be held after August 6 will be issued later.

    The testing agency also announced that exams for candidates affected by floods and having other entrance and competitive examinations during this period had been shifted to August 12, 13 and 14 from August 4, 5 and 6, 2022, following various representations.

    Technical problems in the first phase marred the first-ever CUET. Exams were cancelled in two centres, one in West Bengal’s New Jalpaiguri and the other Punjab’s Pathankot.

    NTA said the 190 students who could not take the exams in these two centres can now take them. Many students complained that their exam centres were changed at the last minute, resulting in many missing it. NTA later formed a committee investigating these complaints and have now allowed 19 students to retake the exam.

    “Every effort is being made to provide candidates with their first choice of city. However, due to an insufficient number of registered candidates in a town or an inadequate number of secure nodes, a different city may have been allotted in some cases. This is being done as per the policy of the NTA,” NTA said.

    ALSO READ | Easy process, tough path, teething issues? CUET questions continue to bother aspirants

    However, such candidates have been given a choice to either avail the examination facility at a different city allotted now or exercise the option to appear in the earlier town at a later date, i.e., after August 10.

    These candidates are requested to exercise this option before downloading their admit cards, and their examinations will be scheduled after August 10.  This option can be seen on the official website of CUET (UG) for downloading the admit card.

    A few representations were also received from the candidates who had other entrance and competitive examinations during this period or who had been affected by floods, etc. “Such requests have been considered, and their city/date has been changed,” the testing agency said.

    Like in the first phase, the admit card was released two days before the exam.

    The Phase I exams were conducted on July 15, 16, 19 and 20, and the second phase exams are slated for August 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10 and 20.

    According to the University Grants Commission (UGC) chairman, Professor M Jagadish Kumar, of the 2,50,495 candidates allotted slots in CUET 2022 phase one, 1,91,586 appeared in the exam. He said phase 1 saw 76.48 per cent attendance, while as many as 58,909 candidates missed it.

    Kumar had earlier informed that nearly 8 lakh 10 thousand students would appear in phase 1 and 6 lakh 80 thousand students will do so in phase 2 of the all-India-level exam for admission to various UG courses in 44 central and 46 other universities in India.

    (Download admit forms from the official website cuet.samarth.ac.in)

  • Those who missed CUET due to exam centre change to get another chance: NTA officials

    Before the exam, several aspirants have raised concerns over having to give too many exams in a short period, delay in admit cards and not being given the choice of centre.

  • CUET from Friday, last-minute anxiety, confusion grips students

    Express News Service

    NEW DELHI: Even as the first-ever Common University Entrance Test-UG, the country’s second biggest examination after NEET-UG in terms of sheer numbers of applicants, will begin on Friday, anxiety and confusion gripped students about the new exam pattern as many of them will be travelling long distances from their home cities to exam centres.

    The University Grants Commission (UGC) has assured the students that their request for a change of examination centre will be considered. Still, it hasn’t reduced the tension. Phase 1 of the exam will begin on Friday in over 510 cities in India and ten cities abroad. The second phase will be in August. The last exam is on August 20.

    UGC Chairperson, M. Jagadesh Kumar, accepted that students who are appearing for CUET-UG have requested for change of examination centre. 

    Requests for a change of centres are being considered by the National Testing Agency (NTA), and students need not feel anxious about it, Kumar said.

    But that’s not the end of their worries. Students complained about delays in receiving admit cards and less time for preparation for those appearing in phase 1 of the CUET exam. Also, many flagged that on the same day, they had to take multiple papers. 

    With 14.9 lakh registrations, CUET, the standard gateway for undergraduate admission in all central universities, is now the second biggest entrance exam surpassing the Joint Entrance Examination-Main’s average registration of nine lakh.

    NEET-UG is the most prominent entrance test in India, with an average of 18 lakh registrations.

    Nearly 14,90,000 candidates have registered for CUET UG 2022, of which 8,10,000 have been allotted Phase I and 6,80,000 have been taken in Phase II of the CUET-UG 2022 exam.

    These candidates have applied for 54,555 unique combinations of subjects across 90 universities, including Delhi University and Jamia Millia Islamia.

    As there are a large number of subjects, a unique date sheet for every individual candidate has been created, said Kumar. 

    Accordingly, advance intimation slip for examination city to all candidates with the date and city of the exam has been issued followed by admit cards, he added. 

    Candidates who have opted for Physics, Chemistry or Biology have been assigned for Phase 2 of the CUET exam given the NEET (UG) – 2022 will be held on July 17.

    Elaborating on the scoring format, Kumar said it would be the NTA score in percentile format. 

    “The score will indicate a candidate’s position vis-a-vis other candidates who took the test. It is an indicator of the candidate’s relative position,” he said. 

    Kumar, in March, had announced that CUET scores, and not Class 12 marks, would be mandatory for admission to 45 central universities, which can fix their minimum eligibility criteria. 

    As students taking state boards had raised concerns about being at a disadvantage while getting admissions to undergraduate programmes, Kumar said with CUET, they will not be facing problems under the new system, and the exam will not push the coaching culture. 

    A total of 44 central universities, 12 state universities, 11 deemed universities, and 19 private universities have applied to participate in the CUET for UG admissions in the 2022-23 academic session. 

    The UGC has also asked universities to fix their deadline for admission to undergraduate courses after CBSE declares its class 12 exam results. Some universities have started their admission process even though the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) was yet to declare the class 12 marks; the UGC said this would lead to the board’s students being deprived of a seat in these institutes. The class 12 results are expected in the last week of July.

    NEW DELHI: Even as the first-ever Common University Entrance Test-UG, the country’s second biggest examination after NEET-UG in terms of sheer numbers of applicants, will begin on Friday, anxiety and confusion gripped students about the new exam pattern as many of them will be travelling long distances from their home cities to exam centres.

    The University Grants Commission (UGC) has assured the students that their request for a change of examination centre will be considered. Still, it hasn’t reduced the tension. Phase 1 of the exam will begin on Friday in over 510 cities in India and ten cities abroad. The second phase will be in August. The last exam is on August 20.

    UGC Chairperson, M. Jagadesh Kumar, accepted that students who are appearing for CUET-UG have requested for change of examination centre. 

    Requests for a change of centres are being considered by the National Testing Agency (NTA), and students need not feel anxious about it, Kumar said.

    But that’s not the end of their worries. Students complained about delays in receiving admit cards and less time for preparation for those appearing in phase 1 of the CUET exam. Also, many flagged that on the same day, they had to take multiple papers. 

    With 14.9 lakh registrations, CUET, the standard gateway for undergraduate admission in all central universities, is now the second biggest entrance exam surpassing the Joint Entrance Examination-Main’s average registration of nine lakh.

    NEET-UG is the most prominent entrance test in India, with an average of 18 lakh registrations.

    Nearly 14,90,000 candidates have registered for CUET UG 2022, of which 8,10,000 have been allotted Phase I and 6,80,000 have been taken in Phase II of the CUET-UG 2022 exam.

    These candidates have applied for 54,555 unique combinations of subjects across 90 universities, including Delhi University and Jamia Millia Islamia.

    As there are a large number of subjects, a unique date sheet for every individual candidate has been created, said Kumar. 

    Accordingly, advance intimation slip for examination city to all candidates with the date and city of the exam has been issued followed by admit cards, he added. 

    Candidates who have opted for Physics, Chemistry or Biology have been assigned for Phase 2 of the CUET exam given the NEET (UG) – 2022 will be held on July 17.

    Elaborating on the scoring format, Kumar said it would be the NTA score in percentile format. 

    “The score will indicate a candidate’s position vis-a-vis other candidates who took the test. It is an indicator of the candidate’s relative position,” he said. 

    Kumar, in March, had announced that CUET scores, and not Class 12 marks, would be mandatory for admission to 45 central universities, which can fix their minimum eligibility criteria. 

    As students taking state boards had raised concerns about being at a disadvantage while getting admissions to undergraduate programmes, Kumar said with CUET, they will not be facing problems under the new system, and the exam will not push the coaching culture. 

    A total of 44 central universities, 12 state universities, 11 deemed universities, and 19 private universities have applied to participate in the CUET for UG admissions in the 2022-23 academic session. 

    The UGC has also asked universities to fix their deadline for admission to undergraduate courses after CBSE declares its class 12 exam results. Some universities have started their admission process even though the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) was yet to declare the class 12 marks; the UGC said this would lead to the board’s students being deprived of a seat in these institutes. The class 12 results are expected in the last week of July.