With limited time before the first Central University Entrance Test (CUET), the Education Department and representatives of Meghalaya’s central university, North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) met today to figure out ways to ensure that students, especially in rural areas, have a smooth ride in sitting the test.
“From the side of the government, we realise that there are several challenges in conducting the test,” Education Minister Lahkmen Rymbui said after the meeting, which was also attended by college principals and NEHU Vice-Chancellor.
These challenges include electricity disruption and poor internet connectivity.
According to a notification of the National Testing Agency (NTA), the test will be conducted only in Shillong and Ri-Bhoi.
“This was a challenge, so we immediately sent the Additional Chief Secretary to Delhi who sat for a meeting with the officers yesterday” with an aim to add more testing centres in other districts, informed Rymbui.
“I have urged principals to call all the colleges and to explain to students what needs to be done if they want to pursue courses that are affiliated with central universities. Principals are to call for a meeting to explain and help the students how to apply for CUET,” the minister said.
As of now, there is only one testing centre, which is located in the Qualapatty neighbourhood of Shillong, which has a capacity of 300 in a sitting.
“I feel glad that we got the verbal assurance from NTA that tests will be held in every district, which will help students,” Rymbui added.
