Jaipur, May 31: The Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG 2026), conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), faced significant disruptions on its first day due to a technical glitch. The online examination was delayed by over two hours as the question papers could not be uploaded on time.
The issue was reported across various exam centres, including those in Jaipur, leaving students and parents confused due to a lack of clear communication from the authorities. Frustration was evident among parents at several centres, where they expressed their dissatisfaction with the handling of the situation.
NTA clarified that the delay was caused by a technical failure from the agency responsible for conducting the exam, TCS. Due to server issues, the online question papers were not available at the centres as scheduled.
Candidates who arrived at the exam centres early found themselves waiting for an extended period. The first shift of the exam was supposed to start at 9:00 AM, with entry closing at 8:00 AM. However, the examination did not commence until 11:23 AM, leading to anxiety among candidates and anger from parents.
The delay also affected the second shift of the exam, prompting NTA to revise the timings. Candidates for the second shift will now be allowed entry starting at 2:30 PM, with the exam beginning at 4:00 PM, instead of the previously scheduled 3:00 PM start.
Notices were posted outside exam centres, including the Shri Balaji Institute of Technology in Jaipur, informing candidates of the technical difficulties. Candidates reported that they were left waiting without proper updates on the situation.
NTA has expressed regret over the inconvenience caused and assured that no candidate will suffer any loss due to this delay. All candidates will be given the full allotted time for their exams.
CUET-UG is one of the largest entrance examinations in the country, facilitating admissions to various undergraduate programs in central universities and other higher education institutions.