CUET UG 2026 Disrupted by Technical Failure; NTA Adjusts Afternoon Schedule
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG) faced significant disruptions on Saturday as a widespread technical failure prevented examinations from starting on time at numerous centers across the country. The issue, attributed to the test administration agency TCS, caused considerable delays and anxiety among candidates and their families.
Originally scheduled to commence at 9:00 AM, the examination at many centers did not begin until approximately 11:23 AM. This unexpected delay left thousands of students waiting for hours, creating an atmosphere of confusion and frustration at test venues nationwide.
Entry Process and Initial Delays
According to reports, the entry process at examination centers had already concluded by 8:00 AM, with a large number of students arriving well before the scheduled start time. However, just as the examination was about to begin, the technical malfunction disrupted the entire process. Candidates were left in a state of uncertainty as the delay stretched on, while parents outside the centers expressed growing displeasure with the lack of timely communication.
Examination Cancellations at Certain Centers
The situation escalated at some locations where the examination ultimately had to be cancelled. At a prominent test center in Noida’s Sector 64, hundreds of candidates who had arrived in the morning were forced to wait for hours before being informed that the test could not proceed due to the persistent technical fault. This cancellation added to the day’s chaos and left many students concerned about their examination prospects.
Revised Schedule for Afternoon Session
In response to the morning session’s disruptions, the National Testing Agency (NTA) moved quickly to revise the timetable for the afternoon examination session. The updated schedule is as follows:
- Reporting and entry: Now begins at 2:30 PM
- Examination start time: Moved to 4:00 PM
- Original examination time: Was scheduled for 3:00 PM
The NTA also confirmed that candidates appearing in the morning shift would receive the full allotted time to complete their question papers, regardless of the delayed start. Students were instructed that they would only be permitted to leave the examination center after the conclusion of the test.
Agency Acknowledgment and Assurance
The National Testing Agency has formally expressed regret over the inconvenience caused to students and parents. In an official statement, the agency confirmed that the technical problem has been resolved and that measures are being implemented to ensure no candidate is disadvantaged by the disruption. The NTA has assured all affected students that they will be provided with complete additional time to ensure the examination is conducted fairly and without compromise.
Support and Assistance for Candidates
For candidates seeking assistance or further clarification regarding the examination, the NTA has established a dedicated support channel. Students experiencing any issues or requiring additional information can reach out to the agency’s helpline. Furthermore, all official updates, notices, and announcements pertaining to the examination schedule and procedures are being made available through the official CUET website for candidates to stay informed.
The disruption on Saturday highlights the challenges associated with large-scale digital examinations. While the technical glitch caused significant distress for candidates, the swift action by the NTA to revise schedules and provide support aims to mitigate the impact and ensure that the examination process can proceed with minimal further interruption. Candidates are advised to remain patient and monitor official channels for any additional updates.
