Entrance test for central universities: how, why

What is the News?

University Grants Commission(UGC) has announced the introduction of the Central University Entrance Test(CUET) which is now mandatory for undergraduate admission at any of the 45 central universities in the country.

Background

​​Several governments have made attempts to replace multiple entrance tests with a single one to reduce the burden on higher education aspirants. 

In 2010, Central Universities Common Entrance Test (CUCET) was introduced, but it failed to gather steam since only 14 central universities had adopted it until 2021.

Now, the Central University Entrance Test(CUET) has been announced.

What is the Central University Entrance Test(CUET)?

It is a mandatory common entrance test for undergraduate admission at any of the 45 central universities in the country.

The tests will be conducted by the National Testing Agency(NTA).

It will be a computer-based test that will be held in two shifts and can be taken in 13 languages.

The test will only have multiple-choice questions based on the content of NCERT textbooks.

The admission to a college or a programme will be based only on CUET score. At best, colleges can use Class 12 Board marks as the minimum eligibility criteria for admission.

What is the significance of this CUET?

Firstly, as far as Delhi University is concerned, sky-high cut-off marks will not be there. A student’s Board marks will have no role in determining his/her admission to a college or a programme. It will be based only on the CUET score.

Note: The government did not favour using Board marks for admission because of the “diversity” in evaluation methods adopted by different Boards. 

Secondly, it will provide equal opportunities to students from the Northeast and rural India. In addition to this, it will help parents of poor students as they will not have to pay for appearing for several entrance exams.

Source: The post is based on an article “Entrance test for central universities: how, why” published in the Indian Express on 22nd March 2022.