SHILLONG, May 14: In a first, the state is hosting the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), which is scheduled to begin on Wednesday across three centres, namely, Shillong, Jowai and Tura. However, several autonomous colleges have already begun their admission procedures before the commencement of the CUET exam.
It may be mentioned that the exam mandates students’ participation for admissions into colleges affiliated with any central university, and for Meghalaya, the colleges under the aegis of the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU).
Nonetheless, preceding the commencement of the CUET examination, several autonomous colleges have initiated their admission procedures.
Notably, institutions like St. Edmund’s College, St. Anthony’s College, and St. Mary’s College have commenced the application process, levying fees ranging from 200 to 500 rupees for “provisional” admissions forms.
Despite the initiation of admission processes, concerns have arisen regarding the colleges’ handling of CUET’s significance.
Several parents have also alleged that certain educational institutions that can only admit students through CUET downplayed the importance of CUET scores when they visited the college for inquiries.
Similarly, St. Anthony’s College’s provisional admission notice lacks mention of CUET, instead writes, “Students provisionally selected for admission to the programme (Major subject) of their choice will be intimated by the college only at their registered email and contact number. Provisional admission fee of Rs. 5000/- should be paid at the college counter (sic).”
St. Mary’s College’s initial “Admission Open” declaration on their website is later supplemented with a notification requiring students to sign an undertaking acknowledging the provisional nature of admission pending CUET scorecards, with fee refunds contingent upon CUET outcomes.
These developments raise questions about the colleges’ adherence to CUET norms and their efforts to ensure clarity for prospective students. Whether these measures aim to facilitate students’ transition or risk leaving them uninformed remains a subject of debate.
The CUET UG-2024 is set to commence in Shillong from May 15 to 24. The exam will be conducted at 26 centres across the state, with 12 centers in Shillong, five in Jowai, and nine located in Tura.
A total of 8,535 candidates are expected to appear in Shillong, 5,618 in Tura, and 4,269 in Jowai. This year’s CUET will be held in a hybrid mode, featuring both Computer-Based Tests (CBT) and Pen and Paper exams. The offline examination is scheduled from May 15 to 18, while the CBT will be conducted on May 21, 22, and 24.
A senior official from the Education department on Tuesday stated that the state government is assisting the National Testing Agency (NTA) in identifying test venues.
The results for CUET-UG 2024 will be announced on June 30.
