Not just an alternative: CUET joins UPSC, NEET, JEE as a top choice for small town aspirants

In a notable shift across India’s smaller towns and cities, the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is fast emerging as a serious academic pursuit — standing shoulder to shoulder with long-established competitive exams like UPSC, NEET and JEE.

In a press release, Neeraj Kansal, CEO and founder of Crack Academy, an institute that mentors aspirants across tier-2 and tier-3 cities, said, “CUET is no longer just an alternative. It’s a conscious first choice for many students who are looking for quality education without the financial or emotional strain that comes with medical or engineering entrance tests.”

The transformation reflects a broader change in mindset. Rather than committing full-time years to preparation, many UPSC aspirants are now balancing studies alongside college or employment.

Fueling this transition is the rapid expansion of hybrid learning. A growing number of students in small towns are relying on a mix of offline coaching and online resources ranging from YouTube lectures to Telegram communities and app-based test series. This combination is making exam preparation more accessible, flexible and personalised.