First edition of CUET for admission to under-graduation courses begins tomorrow
New Delhi, July 14
Ahead of major educational reform for admission to under-graduation courses in the country- Common University Entrance Test 2022, there is a mixed feeling among students and parents ranging from anxiety and confusion to hope and expectation.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) will conduct the first edition of the CUET (UG) from July 15 to August 20 in 500 cities across India and 10 cities outside the country for admission to 54,555 unique combinations of subjects in 90 universities.
As many as 14.9 lakh candidates are scheduled to appear for the exams, according to the NTA
While a delayed datesheet kept students on toes in the run-up, it further added to their anxiety after a tumultuous covid-afflected board exam schedule.
The thought of appearing for multiple examinations in a single day has also left teachers and parents worried. “A child needs a break, besides one bad exam can affect the next exam,” a parent said.
To understand the prevailing concerns, The Tribune conducted a survey with questions to students on issues related to anxiety, importance of board exams, distance between home and the centre, difficulty in preparation, among other issues.
Responses, as expected, were mixed.
Those with exams scheduled early in July are feeling anxious and pressurised while for those scheduled on later dates and in August, it is “not so bad”. Issues are also there regarding the schedule and having to appear for multiple subjects on a single day
“I did not know I would have had to appear for so many exams in a single day. At least the schedule could have been given earlier,” said Delh-based Ishita Vatsal.
Appearing for boards and applying for entrance exams simultaneously was another issue. Some also felt that with CUET kicking in, the importance of board exams will become lesser.
However, another aspirant, Anirudh Srivastava, appeared “quite alright” with CUET. “My exam centre is close to my home. Preparing for the boards helped me prepare for the entrance test,” he said.
Another student, Krrish Gupta, was happy with the way his school helped him by providing sample tests.
However, with CUET becoming a norm, now there are coaching centres to help students prepare, just like other entrance exams. Several students have already enrolled for the next cycle. Many believe the exam will give a push to the coaching culture and prove to be another “financial burden on parents and stress for students”.
Meanwhile, according to Delhi University Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh, “maximum flexibility” has been given to applicants to exercise options for admission in courses of their choice.
“Considering a large number of subjects for all classes, a specific datesheet has been created for each applicant. To avoid any confusion, the date of examination and advance intimation slip for the examination has already been issued to all the candidates and the provision for the same has been made on candidates’ dashboard also,” he said
Amid the backdrop of grievances raised by candidates, UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar said that 98 per cent of candidates have been allotted the exam centres in the city of their choice. Students from state boards will not be at a disadvantage in the new system and CUET will not give a push to the coaching culture, he added.
With inputs from Vansh Verma
