In an attempt to help entrance exam candidates appearing in rural areas, the National Testing Agency will be conducting the Common University Entrance Test third edition - CUET UG 2024 in a hybrid format, suggest media reports.
In his tweet quoting a report, UGC Chairman, Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar reaffirmed that the CUET UG 2024 exams, which are held across the country, will be organised in a hybrid manner, consisting of the usual OMR based pen-and-paper test, and the Computer Based Test (CBT); This will allow candidates in remote or rural areas of the country to take the exam closer to their homes.
Reports further suggest that for subjects which have a higher share of registrations/applicants, OMR based multiple-choice question format will be followed, for better accessibility. In the process local schools and colleges will be used as exam halls.
The NTA is scheduled to conduct the CUET UG 2024 from May 15 to May 31, and is expected to see a change in the overall examination pattern. The examination will take place in three shifts- from 9 AM to 11 AM, 12:30 PM to 2 PM, and 4 PM to 5:30 PM.
In order to streamline the examination process, the number of subjects for CUET UG will be reduced from ten to six. This decision was made in response to the technical challenges of managing a large number of subject registrations, particularly in releasing the answer key on time.
UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar emphasised the importance of adapting to the changing educational landscape and providing a positive exam experience for all candidates. The transition to hybrid mode and the reduction in subject options show a commitment to addressing practical challenges while maintaining the importance of CUET UG 2024.
In an earlier report, AUF TIMES had highlighted a significant change in the candidate's option to choose subjects for the CUET UG. The NTA Director General stated that reducing the number of subjects, which is currently set at ten, is unnecessary for undergraduate admissions. Students are encouraged to concentrate on five to six key subjects related to their chosen programmes. Furthermore, domain and language syllabi are expected to be consistent with the rationalised curriculum. Singh stated that with improved logistics and planning, they hope to conduct the exam in approximately 15 days.
