The Common University Entrance Test (CUET)-UG 2024 exam dates could undergo a change, depending on the schedule of the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections, as indicated by UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) recently released the schedule for the CUET-UG exam from May 15 to 31, with results anticipated by June 30, 2024.
However, as India prepares for the upcoming general elections to elect its 18th Lok Sabha, expected to be announced this month, the timing of CUET-UG hangs in the balance.
In light of the circumstances, UGC chief Kumar elaborated to PTI on Sunday, March 3, stating, "The dates announced by the NTA are tentative. Once the election dates are announced, the NTA will finalise the CUET-UG dates. The tentative schedule is from May 15."
Prospective candidates have until March 26 to complete the application process for CUET-UG, which was introduced in 2022. This standardised test streamlines admission processes across central, state, deemed and private universities nationwide.
A notable departure from tradition, the NTA has outlined a hybrid examination format for CUET-UG 2024, including both Computer Based Testing and pen-and-paper modes for different subjects.
Officials have indicated that subjects witnessing high registration volumes will adopt a pen-and-paper format using optical mark recognition (OMR), while others will remain computer-based.
In the previous cycle, approximately 14.9 lakh registrations were recorded for CUET-UG, highlighting its significance in the higher education landscape.