The Central University Entrance Test (CUET) has been a major milestone for students aspiring to secure a seat in prestigious central universities across India. While it promises a fair and centralized platform for college admissions, many students face significant challenges in navigating the exam process. Here’s a closer look at the struggles faced by aspiring CUET candidates.
1. Increased Competition
With the introduction of CUET, the competition has intensified. Unlike previous years, where individual universities held their entrance exams, CUET consolidates the process into one nationwide exam. As a result, students from all corners of the country are competing for limited seats, which amplifies the pressure on applicants.
2. Syllabus Overlap and Mismatch
One of the key complaints students raise is the mismatch between their school curriculum and the CUET syllabus. Since the test assesses general aptitude, reasoning, and subject-specific knowledge, students often find that what they learned in their state or central board curriculum doesn’t fully align with the exam content. This mismatch forces students to seek additional coaching or self-study resources, further adding to their academic burden.
3. Technical Glitches
CUET is conducted in an online format, and many students report experiencing technical issues such as system crashes, slow servers, and network failures during the exam. Such problems not only waste precious time but also cause undue stress during an already high-pressure situation.
4. Lack of Proper Guidance
Since CUET is a relatively new exam, many students feel uncertain about the best way to prepare. There is a lack of clear guidelines or standardized preparatory materials available, leaving students confused about how to approach their studies. As a result, some students rely on coaching institutes, which may not be affordable for everyone.
5. Psychological Pressure
The intense competition and the high stakes associated with the CUET exam lead to immense psychological pressure. Students often feel overwhelmed by the expectations placed on them by family, teachers, and society. This pressure can negatively impact their mental health, leading to anxiety, burnout, and even depression.
6. Inequality in Access
While CUET is designed to offer equal opportunities, students from rural and economically weaker backgrounds often face disadvantages. Many lack access to proper internet facilities, study materials, or coaching centers, which makes preparing for the exam far more challenging. This inequality creates a gap between urban and rural candidates.
7. Uncertain Admission Process
CUET has brought with it some uncertainty regarding how central universities will handle admissions. Each institution might have its own additional requirements, leading to confusion among students about how their scores will be interpreted and what factors will ultimately determine their admission.
Conclusion
While CUET aims to streamline the university admission process and ensure fairness, it has inadvertently created new hurdles for students. Addressing these challenges will require a concerted effort from educational authorities, institutions, and policymakers to provide better guidance, technical support, and equitable opportunities for all students, regardless of their background. Until then, aspiring students will continue to face these significant struggles on their path to higher education.
