Exam timetable issues have left candidates feeling overwhelmed (Representational image)
Around 15 lakh candidates from across India have signed up for CUET 2023, which is being conducted across 272 cities for admission to various undergraduate courses.
Applicants of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) 2023 are facing a significant challenge—multiple exams to be held on a single day. Around 15 lakh candidates from across India have signed up for CUET 2023, which is being conducted across 272 cities for admission to various undergraduate courses. However, the issues of exam timetable have made the candidates very nervous.
CUET, which began in multiple phases on May 21, has presented applicants with a demanding timetable, especially on specific days where seven subjects are scheduled in a single day. Students are under immense stress due to this tight timetable and the need to appear for exams from 7 am to 9 pm. The disappointment of the candidates has also increased due to the delay in distribution of city slips and admit cards.
Firstly, the National Testing Agency (NTA), which oversees the CUET, had committed to give city slips by April 30. However, only Phase I candidates, who were to appear for the examinations between May 21 and May 24, received these slips, which were finally distributed on May 14. Students find this a great challenge as they need a lot of time to organize their travel, especially during the busiest summer vacation period.
A candidate from Jammu and Kashmir took to Twitter to express his frustration by asking a question to the officials, “Why do I have to travel 628.5 km” (Kashmir to Patiala), so that I can get admission in my state’s university which is Only 53km away from my place?????? And how can a poor person afford all this.
Why do I have to go “628.5 km” (Kashmir to Patiala) so that I can get admission in my state university which is only 53 km away from my place?????? And how can a poor person afford all this.@DG_NTA #CUETUG # Why pic.twitter.com/mRio7KkI3g– Syma🍁 (@SymaMir1) May 17, 2023
Another candidate complained about being allotted a center 500 km away from his place. Students also claim that the dates of CUET 2023 are clashing with ICSI.
University Grants Commission Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar acknowledged the problems faced by the candidates in the first phase of CUET-UG examination. They confirmed that in about 12 of the 450 test centers, or about 2 percent of the centers, the start of the test was delayed as a result of things like power outages, staggered admission requirements, and student attrition. Therefore, these delays caused more scheduling problems and congestion.
Students seeking admission to undergraduate programs in Central Universities, State Universities and specialized private institutions are required to give CUET UG 2023. A total of 2,65,248 students appeared in the first phase of the exam, which was conducted across 458 centres. CUET 2023 is scheduled to end in the first week of June.
