By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 25: The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) on Monday issued a fresh clarification to reiterate that admissions to Undergraduate (UG) programmes in colleges affiliated to the university for the academic session 2026-27 must follow the prescribed guidelines and be based primarily on Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) 2026 scores.
The clarification follows a series of communications issued by the Central Admission Committee (CAC), NEHU, through letters dated April 29 and May 4, as well as a communication issued by the Director of the College Development Council (CDC), NEHU, on May 15, addressed to all principals of affiliated colleges.
The university reiterated that all affiliated colleges are required to strictly adhere to the Admission Guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) issued from time to time by NEHU and its CAC.
According to directives of the Union Ministry of Education, the CUET-UG score is mandatory for admission to undergraduate programmes in central universities and their affiliated colleges. NEHU stated that admissions to UG programmes for the academic session 2026-27 must be strictly based on CUET (UG) 2026 scores during the first round of admissions.
Clarifying reports of confusion over admissions based solely on Class XII examination results, NEHU stated that affiliated colleges must not conduct spot, provisional or final admissions before the declaration of CUET-UG 2026 results. The university further clarified that admissions under the University Grants Commission SOP for non-CUET candidates may be undertaken after all eligible CUET-based applicants have been accommodated and vacancies remain. Such admissions, it said, must be carried out strictly in accordance with the procedures laid down by the UGC and the NEHU’s Admission Guidelines.
The statement issued by the Director of College Development Council (CDC), Prof D.R.L. Nonglait, also reminded colleges that CUET scores are mandatory for admission to both UG and PG programmes and urged strict compliance with the admission guidelines.
NEHU cautioned that any non-compliance with the notified guidelines may invite appropriate action under university regulations.
The clarification comes amid concerns raised by students and parents over reports that some colleges in Shillong had allegedly begun confirming admissions and collecting fees before the CUET results were declared.
Several aggrieved parents and students alleged that certain colleges, under the pretext of “counselling” and “form collection,” were locking seats and accepting fees, creating panic among applicants and placing CUET candidates at a disadvantage.
Concerned stakeholders have urged the NEHU to intervene immediately, halt all premature admissions, annul admissions made in violation of the rules, and ensure full refunds to affected students.
NEHU advised students, parents, and other stakeholders not to be misled by unofficial information and to rely only on official notifications and communications issued by the university and affiliated colleges in accordance with the prescribed admission norms.
The university said the objective of the guidelines is to ensure a fair, transparent, and uniform admission process across all affiliated institutions.
