CUET: Distant Exam Centres Spark Outrage
The release of the CUET UG City Intimation Slip on April 29, 2026, has ignited outrage among students across India. Many candidates found themselves assigned to distant exam cities, raising concerns about travel costs and preparation stress.
Before this announcement, students anticipated being placed in exam cities close to their homes—after all, the National Testing Agency (NTA) typically aims to accommodate candidates’ preferences. However, the reality turned out starkly different.
With the CUET UG exam scheduled from May 11 to May 31, 2026, many candidates reported that they were assigned cities far from their chosen locations. In fact, there are over 280 cities designated for this year’s exam, but that hasn’t mitigated the frustration.
Students voiced their concerns vehemently. One anonymous candidate stated, “I don’t know how a poor student like me will manage the expenses, especially in this extreme heat.” This sentiment echoes a broader wave of complaints regarding financial strain and logistical burdens.
Key facts:
- The city intimation slip does not serve as an admit card; it merely assists in planning travel arrangements.
- Candidates can download their slips from cuet.nta.nic.in.
- The NTA has made it clear that rescheduling requests will not be entertained.
The NTA’s stance has left many feeling helpless. The city intimation slip is intended to help students avoid last-minute confusion—but instead, it seems to have exacerbated anxiety levels among those facing long commutes.
Experts in education logistics point out that such distances can severely impact performance on test day. Preparation stress compounds when candidates must navigate unfamiliar routes or bear unexpected travel costs.
As these issues unfold, students continue to express dissatisfaction—demands for more accessible exam locations are rising. The NTA’s response—or lack thereof—will likely shape the discourse around future CUET examinations.
