‘First NEET, then CBSE, now CUET’: Fresh exam controversy puts Centre under pressure as NTA cites technical glitch
India’s examination system has once again landed in the middle of a political storm after technical disruptions delayed the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) 2026 at several centres across the country, triggering sharp criticism of the Narendra Modi government and the National Testing Agency (NTA).
The latest incident has added to growing concerns over the management of high-stakes national examinations, with opposition leaders linking the CUET disruption to recent controversies surrounding NEET-UG and the CBSE evaluation system.
CUET delay sparks nationwide outrage
Thousands of students reportedly faced long waits at examination centres after technical issues delayed the start of CUET-UG exams in multiple states.
Candidates and parents expressed frustration as uncertainty grew outside centres, with many students waiting for hours before receiving updates regarding revised schedules.
The disruption quickly became a major political issue, with opposition parties accusing the Centre of repeatedly failing to ensure smooth conduct of national-level examinations.
Opposition targets Education Ministry
AAP leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi launched a strong attack on Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, saying the CUET delay reflected a broader pattern of administrative failures.
Referring to the recent NEET-UG paper leak controversy and the CBSE On-Screen Marking (OSM) dispute, she remarked: “First NEET, then CBSE, now CUET,” questioning how repeated examination-related problems continue to occur despite repeated assurances from authorities.
Congress leaders and several opposition figures also renewed demands for accountability, arguing that recurring controversies have eroded public confidence in India’s examination infrastructure.
NTA blames technical glitch
Responding to the criticism, the National Testing Agency issued a clarification stating that the delay was caused by a technical issue involving its technology partner, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).
According to the agency:
- The glitch affected the commencement of exams at certain centres.
- The issue was later resolved.
- Students were provided full compensatory time.
- Revised timings were introduced for later examination shifts.
- No candidate would be disadvantaged because of the delay.
The NTA also apologised for the inconvenience caused to students and parents and released support channels for affected candidates.
Exam controversies pile pressure on government
The CUET disruption comes just weeks after NEET-UG 2026 was cancelled following allegations of paper leaks and examination irregularities, leading to a CBI investigation and plans for a nationwide re-test.
Simultaneously, the government has been dealing with political attacks over the CBSE OSM evaluation controversy, where opposition leaders questioned the transparency of digital answer-sheet assessment systems.
The combination of these incidents has intensified scrutiny of the NTA and broader examination governance mechanisms.
Why the issue matters
CUET was introduced as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) framework to create a common and transparent university admission system across India.
Because the exam is conducted across multiple shifts and centres nationwide, even minor technical disruptions can affect lakhs of students and generate concerns regarding fairness and equal opportunity.
Education experts say repeated controversies highlight the need for:
- Stronger digital infrastructure
- Better cybersecurity safeguards
- Real-time contingency systems
- Transparent communication protocols
- Independent audits of examination processes
Latest developments
- NTA has confirmed that the CUET delay resulted from a technical glitch linked to its technology partner.
- Affected candidates were granted additional time and revised schedules.
- Opposition leaders have intensified criticism of the Education Ministry over recurring exam controversies.
- The issue has revived debate over NTA’s handling of major national examinations following the NEET-UG cancellation row.
- Student groups and education activists are demanding stronger safeguards to prevent future disruptions in entrance examinations.
