Centre exempts Central Universities of NER from CUET 2023-2024.

The Ministry of Education has yet again announced the decision to exempt the central universities of Northeast regions from Common University Entrance Test (CUET) 2023-24.

According to reports, 10 universities of the North East region have been exempted from the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) 2023-24.

The ten universities are Sikkim University, Rajiv Gandhi University, Manipur University, Assam University, Tezpur University, Nagaland University, Tripura University, Mizoram University, NEHU as well as the HNBGU in Uttarakhand.

The decision to extend the exemption period was taken considering the geographical condition, hilly terrain, far-flung location, limited digital connectivity, infrastructure, etc as these are few reasons which hinder the smooth conduction of the CUET in North Eastern regions.

An official release issued by P.K. Singh, under secretary to the government of India, ministry of education, dated March 15, said, “Given the geographical conditions, hilly terrains, far-flung locations, limited digital connectivity infrastructure etc. as an impediment in conducting the CUET in Northeastern regions, the central universities of Northeastern regions were allowed to take admission in the affiliated colleges to the central university as per past practices instead of CUET for the year 2022-2023.”

“Keeping in view the present situation, it has been decided that the above exemption may be extended for one more year for 2023-2024,” the statement read.

Earlier, the Meghalaya CM Conrad K Sangma wrote to the Union Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan seeking exemption for higher studies aspiring students of Meghalaya from CUET.

In the letter, Sangma wrote that the recent assembly election resulted in delay of the state board examination which gave rise to unprecedented challenges for the students to attempt the CUET.

He further wrote that the state government has also taken the necessary steps to set up a state university.

Similarly, Sikkim CM, PS Tamang also expressed gratitude to the centre for the decision stating it as highly appreciable.

While, on the other hand, according to an article by Northeast Live, the Arunachal Pradesh Education Minister, Taba Tedir expressed concern over the decision and said that it will affect the interest of the state domiciles/ students.