1. CUET for undergraduate courses was conducted offline for the first time in Nagaland.
2. Numerous university aspirants appeared at various examination centers across the state.
3. This shift aims to simplify the admission process for students nationwide.
Kohima, May 19: For the first time, the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduate courses was conducted offline, with numerous university aspirants from Nagaland appearing at various examination centers across the state.
This marks a significant shift in the administration of the CUET, aimed at simplifying the admission process for students nationwide.
In Dimapur, the CUET was held at six centers: Livingstone Foundation International, PM Shree Kendriya Vidyalaya, Project Sewak, Delhi Public School Dimapur, Hope Academy, Hollotoli School, and St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School.
Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the CUET serves as a centralized gateway for admissions to a variety of undergraduate and postgraduate programs at central universities across India.
However, the execution of the CUET presented significant challenges.
Unlike the more streamlined NEET, the CUET’s administration raised concerns about its efficacy due to the arduous and taxing nature of the examination process for both candidates and examination centers.
Also Read: Manipur: 41-Year-Old Man Fatally Shot in Imphal West, Investigation Underway
This was primarily because the CUET involves multiple one-hour subject exams with intermittent gaps, extending the process for both candidates and invigilators.
According to some school authorities, a major issue was the system of collecting question papers early in the morning and returning them after several exam shifts, often extending the process until 8 p.m.
This method caused undue strain on candidates, invigilators, and office staff, exacerbated by the summer heat. One school official noted, “The NEET’s single three-hour exam format proved to be more efficient and less taxing.”
The logistical issues also included the need for some candidates to change examination centers because not all subjects were available at the initially allotted center.
This added another layer of complexity and stress for both the students and the examination organizers.
Addressing these logistical issues is crucial for the NTA to ensure that the CUET fulfills its purpose effectively.
A more streamlined approach, similar to NEET, could significantly reduce stress for millions of candidates nationwide. The NTA needs to consider these challenges and work towards a more efficient examination process in the future.
Moreover, the offline format raised additional concerns about accessibility and inclusivity. In regions with limited digital infrastructure, the offline mode may have been seen as a necessity, but it also highlighted the need for better planning and support to ensure a smooth examination experience.
This includes better coordination in the distribution and collection of examination materials and ensuring that all examination centers are well-equipped to handle the logistical demands of the CUET.
The move to conduct CUET offline in Nagaland underscores the importance of adapting examination methods to local contexts and logistical realities.
However, it also emphasizes the need for continuous improvement and adaptation in examination administration to meet the needs of all stakeholders involved.
