Centre exempts Central Universities in Northeast from CUET

The Government of India in it's letter to the University Grants Commission (UGC) cited“Given the geographical conditions, hilly terrain, far flung location, limited digital connectivity, infrastructure etc as impediment in

The Centre has exempted Central Universities in the Northeast from conducting the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for admissions to undergraduate programmes.

The Government of India in it’s letter to the University Grants Commission (UGC) cited“Given the geographical conditions, hilly terrain, far flung location, limited digital connectivity, infrastructure etc as impediment in conducting the CUET in North Eastern Regions.”

The statement added that the Central Universities of North Eastern Region as well as the HNBGU in Uttarakhand has been allowed to take admission in the affiliated colleges as per the past practice instead of CUET for the year 2022-23.

“Keeping this in view the present situation, it has been decided that the above exemption may be extended for one more year for 2023-24,” the letter further stated. Besides the UGC has also been requested to issue necessary notification in this regard.

The letter of Government of India (GoI) addressed to the University Grant Commission in this regard mentioned the following central varsities of Northeast— Sikkim University, Rajiv Gandhi University, Assam University, Tezpur University, Manipur University, Nagaland University, Tripura University, Mizoram University , NEHU.

Meanwhile, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma thanked Union Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan for the decision. Taking to Twitter, Conrad Sangma said,”Thank Hon’ble Union Education Minister, Sh.@dpradhanbjp ji for considering our request on behalf of our students to exempt the colleges in Meghalaya affiliated to NEHU to come under the purview of #CUET for 2023-2024, allowing them to continue with existing admission practices.”

Thank Hon’ble Union Education Minister, Sh.@dpradhanbjp ji for considering our request on behalf of our students to exempt the colleges in Meghalaya affiliated to NEHU to come under the purview of #CUET for 2023-2024, allowing them to continue with existing admission practices. pic.twitter.com/gTAkOFLxLs

— Conrad K Sangma (@SangmaConrad) March 18, 2023

Earlier, the Meghalaya Chief Minister had written to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan seeking exemption of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for students of the northeastern state seeking admission into various varsities for the current academic session.

In the letter, Sangma said that the recent assembly election has resulted in the delay of the state board examination giving students “unprecedented challenges” to attempt the CUET exams.

He also said that the state government has taken steps to set up a state university for which the administration will soon be receiving the approval of the Governor of Meghalaya.

“In light of the above, and as most of the colleges in the state are affiliated to the North Eastern Hill University, I request your good office to kindly exempt the state of Meghalaya from conducting the CUET,” Sangma said in his March 10 letter.

Meanwhile, Sikkim Chief Minister PS Tamang has also expressed his gratitude to the Centre for the decision. He said,”The decision to exempt the colleges affiliated to Sikkim University from the ambit of CUET for 2023-24 is highly appreciable. My gratitude to the Hon’ble Union Education Minister Shri @dpradhanbjp Ji for allowing the SU to adhere to the existing admission norms.”

The decision to exempt the colleges affiliated to Sikkim University from the ambit of CUET for 2023-24 is highly appreciable. My gratitude to the Hon’ble Union Education Minister Shri @dpradhanbjp Ji for allowing the SU to adhere to the existing admission norms.

— Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) (@PSTamangGolay) March 19, 2023

Not only this, introduction of CUET had also raised concerns in Arunachal Pradesh after the UGC issued a notification on March 21, stating that the central universities will have to use CUET scores to admit students to undergraduate programmes.

Education Minister Taba Tedir expressing concern had said that it will affect the interests of the state domiciles/ students.

Besides, the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) had also appealed the state government to request the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the Ministry of Education to exempt Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for affiliated and autonomous colleges in Nagaland for academic year 2023-2024.

As per the new policy (CUET), Class 12 board examination marks will not have any bearing on the admission of the students.

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