Ahead of CUET, students anxious, but hopeful

New Delhi, July 14

Ahead of the first Common University Entrance Test (CUET), which has been touted as the major educational reform for admission to under-graduate (UG) courses, there are mixed feelings among students and parents alike, ranging from anxiety and confusion to hope and expectation.

The National Testing Agency 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.

While a delayed CUET datesheet kept students on their toes, the schedule further added to their anxiety. 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 one,” said a parent.

Those with exams scheduled for early July are anxious, while those who would appear in August are relatively “better placed”.

Delhi-based Ishita Vatsal said, “I did not know that I would have to appear for so many exams in a single day. At least, the schedule could have been released earlier.”

Appearing for board examinations and applying for the entrance exams simultaneously was another concern. Some felt that with the CUET kicking in, the importance of board exams would diminish.

Another aspirant, Anirudh Srivastava, appeared “quite content” with the CUET. “My exam centre is close to my home. Preparing for the board exams helped me prepare for the entrance test,” he said.