The higher education authority of India, the University Grants Commission on the recommendation of the Ministry of Education, recently announced the introduction of a common entrance university test as a gateway to entering universities for Undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The National Testing Agency, which was established in 2017 to manage entrance tests to higher education institutes will only conduct CUET across India. UGC’s purpose of establishment was to create One India, one exam and CUET is a step in the right direction. It will provide an equitable opportunity to all the potential candidates, even those living in the remotest corners of the country. For the session 2022-23, 53 central universities have given their consent to accept CUET scores for undergraduate courses but are yet to do it for postgraduate courses.
CUET is scheduled from 15th July to 10th August 2022. On the first day of the examination, it met with a few hiccups. Last-minute centre change, less time to prepare, and unplanned date sheets were some concerns raised by the students. Some students have to appear for 3 exams on a single day. But is CUET still a better option?
Yes, it is. India has several education boards such as CBSE, ICSE, and state boards to name a few and they all vary in terms of their difficulty levels. So all the boards with relatively easier examinations, their students score higher marks and that takes the cutoffs skyrocketing. CUET will not take into consideration class 12th percentage but only consider marks secured at the entrance.
CUET will also make the admission process hassle-free. Earlier when students had to appear for multiple exams, there was always a probability of clashing dates of 2 prestigious exams and this would create a dilemma for students, where they had to choose anyone. But now, by qualifying for just one exam, you can apply to numerous universities across India. Common entrance test also stands apart in terms of choice, as it gives students the option to choose the subjects they want to appear for.
Let’s say, Radhika has a stronghold in Mathematical and Accountancy concepts, but scores below average in Economics and Psychology. So she can choose Accountancy and mathematics as her subjects for the entrance tests and excel in them. This option didn’t exist earlier and students had to study all subjects even in which they didn’t want to specialize in college.
This is the first time the paper was introduced, so due to a lack of awareness some students had to bear the brunt, but from the next session onwards things might get better.
Also for PG degree and diploma courses universities soon will start accepting CUET scores. Switching streams after the 12th will now be easier as students’ have to choose subjects on their own. Every university’s exam had an entrance fee but now that burden has been reduced.
So in a nutshell, students and parents both will adapt to this change happily. It received flak because of its bad timing of implementation as students didn’t have ample time to prepare for the test. But CUET surely has a bright future and the move is and will be welcomed by students of the upcoming batches.
Work is Worship 