Crisis blowback at NTA may delay CUET UG 2024 results, admissions calendar

The CUET-UG is the single-window test for admissions to undergraduate programs at 46 Central universities, including prominent ones like Delhi University (DU), Allahabad University, and Banaras Hindu University (BHU). This year, the entrance test was conducted in a hybrid format (online and pen-and-paper) from May 15 to May 31.

Expected Delay in Results: Although the National Testing Agency (NTA) had initially scheduled the release of CUET-UG results for June 30, a senior official indicated that this deadline is unlikely to be met. The provisional answer key is expected next week, and the final results may take an additional week to 10 days.

Impact on University Admissions: The delay in CUET-UG results will disrupt the admissions calendar of all participating universities. Here’s how it affects some key institutions:

1. Delhi University (DU):
   • DU’s second phase of admissions involves students indicating their college and program preferences, which cannot commence until CUET-UG results are declared.
   • With 71,000 seats to fill, DU planned to open the admissions portal for phase two by July 2 and start the new academic year by August 1.
   • A DU official mentioned they would have to adjust their calendar if there is a delay.
2. Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU):
   • JNU uses CUET-UG scores for admissions to its language-specialized undergraduate programs and the BSc-MSc Integrated Programme in Ayurveda Biology.
   • Any delay in results will affect JNU’s admissions cycle and, consequently, the academic calendar.
3. Banaras Hindu University (BHU):
   • BHU’s central admission committee chairman, Bhaskar Bhattacharya, expressed concerns over the potential impact on their academic calendar.
   • If results are delayed, BHU may need to adjust the calendar by cutting vacations and modifying session schedules. This will prevent the new session from starting in August.

NTA’s Role and Communication: The NTA, which conducts CUET-UG on behalf of the University Grants Commission (UGC), has yet to provide a new timeline for the results. UGC’s chairperson, M Jagadesh Kumar, has not responded to inquiries about the delay.

Conclusion: The delay in CUET-UG results will have widespread implications for the admission schedules and academic calendars of central universities across India. Students and university officials are advised to stay updated through official channels for the latest information.