Even though the state government has sought assistance from the centre to set up more Common University Entrance Test (CUET) examination centres in Meghalaya, there is apprehension that exemption will no longer be possible with the ordinance passed by the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU).
As per the ordinance, for the under-graduate programmes admission will be based on marks scored in the CUET.
However, what worries teachers and students is the non-availability of CUET centres. Nonetheless, if they are even set up the huge number of higher secondary students (CBSE, ISC and MBOSE of Arts, Science and Commerce) cannot be accommodated even if three centres are to be set up in Shillong, Tura and Jowai.
Another problem raised by teachers is the difficulty for a student to score in the test because Mathematics and Science subjects are not made compulsory for students to pass in the class 10 examination of the Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE).
“What would likely be the admission process followed if a Khasi with CUET score of 160 and a student from any part of the Northeast with a CUET score of 220 apply to a college,” a teacher questioned.
Questions are also being raised on how much of sensitisation or capability programmes or workshops are being conducted in all higher secondary schools to help students clear CUET. “If this is not done we will find next coaching centres that will fleece money in the name of CUET,” another teacher said.
It may be mentioned all the affiliated colleges have been asked by NEHU to implement the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) immediately from this year, which the university is now in loggerheads with the NEHU teachers association and the Meghalaya College Teachers Association.
