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The National Testing Agency (NTA) has announced an extension to the application deadline for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) 2025 following widespread reports of technical difficulties encountered by prospective candidates. The decision, revealed on Saturday, March 22, 2025, pushes the final submission date to March 24, 2025, at 11:50 p.m., providing students with additional time to complete their applications. This extension addresses the numerous concerns raised by students struggling to access and navigate the online application portal. The CUET-UG is a crucial examination for students seeking admission to various Central Universities, State Universities, deemed Universities, and private Universities across India after completing their Class twelve education. It serves as a single-window opportunity, streamlining the admission process for numerous institutions nationwide. The examination is tentatively scheduled to be conducted between May 8 and June 1, 2025, and will be administered in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode at designated centers across the country and even abroad. The initial application window opened on March 1, 2025, but soon after, aspiring candidates began encountering a series of technical obstacles that hampered their ability to successfully submit their applications. These glitches included the inability to receive the One-Time Password (OTP) required for completing the registration process, difficulties in viewing the Captcha, which is essential for submitting forms, and frequent website crashes due to server issues, leading to significant delays and frustration among applicants. The severity of these technical problems prompted students to take to social media platforms, particularly X (formerly Twitter), to voice their grievances and appeal for an extension to the application deadline. One aspirant lamented the persistent website issues, stating, "Please extend the deadline of CUET-UG registration. CUET-UG website not working it shows session expired or not opening website. Please do something. Today is the last date." This sentiment was echoed by numerous other students who faced similar challenges while attempting to register for the CUET-UG 2025 examination. The frustration and anxiety experienced by these students were palpable as the original deadline loomed. Another aspirant shared their ordeal on X, expressing, "Most frustrating thing I am experiencing since two days. Today is last day for CUET-UG 2025 registration and my application hasn’t been submitted. Reason this govt. website keeps crashing. I have logged in appx. 50 times." The scale of the technical problems was significant enough to draw the attention of prominent figures, including journalist and author Rasheed Kidwai, who also highlighted the issue on X, stating, "CUET-UG website not functioning properly... unable to load applications." The NTA's decision to extend the application deadline reflects an acknowledgement of the widespread technical difficulties encountered by students and a commitment to ensuring that all deserving candidates have a fair opportunity to apply for the CUET-UG examination. Furthermore, NTA Joint Director Dr. Archana Shukla issued a circular clarifying that the last date for the successful final transaction of fees has also been extended to March 25, 2025, up to 11:50 p.m. This provides students with additional time to complete the financial aspects of their applications. In addition, the circular announced that students can apply for corrections in particulars between March 26 and March 28, 2025, up to 11:50 p.m., allowing them to rectify any errors or inaccuracies in their submitted information. The extension of the application deadline, coupled with the extended timeframe for fee payments and corrections, demonstrates the NTA's responsiveness to the concerns of the student community and its dedication to facilitating a smooth and equitable application process for the CUET-UG 2025 examination. The NTA's proactive measures are aimed at minimizing disruptions and ensuring that all eligible students have the opportunity to pursue their academic aspirations without being unfairly disadvantaged by technical issues. The agency's actions also underscore the importance of robust and reliable online infrastructure for conducting large-scale examinations and the need for continuous monitoring and improvement to prevent similar problems from arising in the future. The CUET-UG examination plays a pivotal role in shaping the academic trajectories of countless students across India, and it is imperative that the application process is accessible and user-friendly for all. The NTA's prompt response to the technical glitches encountered by students in this instance serves as a positive example of responsible governance and a commitment to upholding the principles of fairness and equity in education. The extension of the application deadline is expected to alleviate the anxiety and stress experienced by many students who were struggling to complete their applications due to the technical problems. It also provides them with the reassurance that their efforts to pursue higher education will not be thwarted by unforeseen circumstances. As the revised deadline approaches, it is crucial that students take advantage of the additional time to carefully review their applications, ensure that all required information is accurately provided, and complete the necessary fee payments. The NTA has also encouraged students to utilize the correction window to rectify any errors or inaccuracies in their applications. By taking these steps, students can maximize their chances of successfully completing the application process and securing admission to their desired universities. The CUET-UG examination represents a significant milestone in the academic journey of many students, and it is essential that the application process is as seamless and efficient as possible. The NTA's efforts to address the technical challenges encountered by students in this instance demonstrate a commitment to ensuring that all eligible candidates have the opportunity to participate in this important examination and pursue their academic aspirations.
The significance of CUET-UG extends beyond just being an entrance examination; it represents a paradigm shift in the landscape of higher education admissions in India. Traditionally, admission to universities was largely determined by the marks obtained in Class XII board examinations. This system, while seemingly straightforward, often led to disparities and inequities. Students from different boards faced varying levels of difficulty in their examinations, making it challenging to compare their scores fairly. Furthermore, the cut-off marks for popular courses in prestigious universities soared to exorbitant levels, creating immense pressure and anxiety among students. The CUET-UG, on the other hand, aims to create a level playing field for all aspirants, regardless of their board affiliation or geographical location. By conducting a standardized entrance examination, the NTA seeks to assess students' aptitude and knowledge across a uniform set of parameters. This approach reduces the reliance on board examination marks and provides students with a more equitable opportunity to demonstrate their potential. The CUET-UG also offers students a wider range of choices in terms of universities and courses. Instead of being limited to institutions in their immediate vicinity, students can apply to any participating university across the country, based on their performance in the entrance examination. This promotes greater mobility and allows students to pursue their academic interests in the institutions that best suit their needs. The introduction of CUET-UG has also prompted universities to re-evaluate their admission criteria and adopt a more holistic approach. While the entrance examination score remains a significant factor, universities are also considering other aspects of students' profiles, such as their academic achievements, extracurricular activities, and overall personality. This shift towards a more comprehensive evaluation process is beneficial for students, as it recognizes and rewards their diverse talents and experiences. The CUET-UG examination is not without its challenges, however. The sheer scale of the examination, with lakhs of students participating from across the country, requires meticulous planning and execution. The NTA must ensure that the examination is conducted fairly and transparently, and that the results are accurate and reliable. Furthermore, the NTA must continuously strive to improve the infrastructure and technology used for conducting the examination, in order to minimize the risk of technical glitches and disruptions. The technical issues encountered during the application process for the CUET-UG 2025 examination serve as a reminder of the importance of robust and resilient online systems. As more and more educational processes are digitized, it is essential that the infrastructure is capable of handling the increased demand and that adequate safeguards are in place to prevent technical failures. The NTA must invest in upgrading its online platform and provide adequate support to students who may face technical difficulties during the application process. Furthermore, the NTA must engage with students and other stakeholders to gather feedback and identify areas for improvement in the CUET-UG examination. By continuously learning and adapting, the NTA can ensure that the examination remains relevant and effective in meeting the needs of students and universities. The CUET-UG examination has the potential to transform the landscape of higher education admissions in India, by promoting greater equity, transparency, and choice. However, realizing this potential requires a concerted effort from the NTA, universities, and other stakeholders to address the challenges and ensure that the examination is conducted in a fair and efficient manner. The NTA's decision to extend the application deadline for the CUET-UG 2025 examination is a welcome step in this direction, as it demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that all deserving candidates have the opportunity to pursue their academic aspirations.
The incident also highlights the increasing role of social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) in amplifying student voices and bringing attention to issues that affect them. In the past, students may have relied on traditional channels of communication, such as newspapers or television, to voice their concerns. However, social media provides a more direct and immediate platform for students to share their experiences and connect with others facing similar challenges. The use of hashtags and other social media tools allows students to organize their messages and amplify their reach. In the case of the CUET-UG 2025 application glitches, students were able to quickly mobilize on social media and bring the issue to the attention of the NTA and other stakeholders. The widespread sharing of messages and the use of hashtags like #CUETUG and #NTA helped to raise awareness of the problem and put pressure on the authorities to take action. The NTA's response to the social media campaign demonstrates the growing influence of these platforms in shaping public discourse and influencing policy decisions. As social media becomes an increasingly important tool for communication and advocacy, it is essential that students and other stakeholders use it responsibly and effectively. This includes being mindful of the information shared online, avoiding the spread of misinformation, and engaging in constructive dialogue. Social media can also be used to connect students with mentors, resources, and other opportunities. By building online communities and sharing knowledge, students can support each other and enhance their learning experiences. The CUET-UG examination is just one example of how social media can be used to address issues in education. There are many other challenges facing students, such as access to quality education, affordability, and mental health. Social media can be a powerful tool for raising awareness of these issues and advocating for change. The NTA and other educational institutions should also consider using social media to communicate with students and provide them with information about the CUET-UG examination and other educational opportunities. By engaging with students on social media, institutions can build trust and foster a sense of community. The extension of the application deadline for the CUET-UG 2025 examination is a positive outcome that demonstrates the power of student voices and the effectiveness of social media as a tool for advocacy. However, it is important to remember that this is just one step in the process of improving the CUET-UG examination and ensuring that all students have the opportunity to pursue their academic aspirations. The NTA, universities, and other stakeholders must continue to work together to address the challenges facing students and create a more equitable and accessible education system. The use of technology in education is also an area that requires careful consideration. While technology can be a powerful tool for enhancing learning and improving access to education, it can also create new challenges. The technical glitches encountered during the CUET-UG 2025 application process serve as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that technology is reliable and accessible to all students. The NTA and other educational institutions must invest in infrastructure and training to ensure that students are not disadvantaged by a lack of access to technology or technical skills. Furthermore, it is important to address the digital divide and ensure that students from disadvantaged backgrounds have the same opportunities as their peers. This may require providing access to computers and internet connections, as well as training in basic computer skills. The use of technology in education should also be guided by principles of equity and inclusion. It is important to consider the needs of all students, including those with disabilities, and ensure that technology is accessible to them. This may require providing assistive technology or adapting online materials to meet the needs of students with disabilities. By addressing these challenges, we can ensure that technology is used to enhance learning and improve access to education for all students.
Source: NTA extends CUET-UG application date after aspirants report technical glitches