Cuet: Glitch-free CUET-UG exam held across India, 77% attendance on day one

Cuet: Glitch-free CUET-UG exam held across India, 77% attendance on day one


NEW DELHI: In a glitch-free beginning, Common University Entrance Test – Undergraduate (CUET-UG) 2023 registered 77% attendance on the first day on Sunday, up from last year’s 64% overall attendance. However, in some centres, exams got delayed due to delay in the biometric identification process.
Meanwhile, National Testing Agency (NTA) has decided to reschedule the May 28 CUET-UG exam for those who have Joint Integrated Programme in Management Admission Test (JIPMAT) at the same time.
According to senior NTA officials, the exams on day one went smoothly without any technical glitches. On the delay in start at some centres, including in Ballia in Uttar Pradesh, the agency said, “Some centres faced issues in the biometric link. However, they were sorted and all candidates successfully completed their exams and were given their allotted time.”
“In Ballia as the delay was a little longer, around 80 minutes, accompanying parents and candidates were served refreshments and the NTA also arranged transportation, especially for the female candidates, for going back home,” said the official.
The debut edition of the entrance exam in 2022 was marred by technical glitches resulting in postponement of exams in multiple centres. Moreover, candidates were also left hassled over last minutes changes and cancellations.
Compared to last year when on the first day around 75% attendance was recorded, and overall attendance was 64%, this year the participation started on a high note registering 77% attendance. “We are expecting marginally low attendance as many candidates focussed on engineering, medical and other professional programmes might not turn up. However, if the first day is any trend, this year CUET-UG will register record attendance. Also probably because there are more universities participating which is one of the reason we have seen record registration (14.99 lakh) as well.”
NTA so far has issue city intimation slips which has the subjects, dates and slots till May 28, 2023. Many candidates who were allotted May 28 have also registered for the JIPMAT which is scheduled for the same date.
“NTA via JIPMAT and CUET email are intimating the candidates to sit for the JIPMAT on May 28. Such candidates will be allotted a different date for the CUET-UG exam,” said the official. Both the exam are conducted by the NTA.
Unlike last year, CUET-UG is being conducted in three shifts this time. Earlier, the exam was scheduled to be held from May 21 to May 31 but the NTA decided to extend the schedule by at least four days to accommodate the higher number of candidates. It has also kept two more days as reserve.
Over 14 lakh applications have been received for the CUET-UG this year, registering a 51% per cent increase from the debut edition last year.CUET-UG remains the second-largest entrance exam in the country in terms of applicants.