UGC Chairman Opens Up About CUET-UG Hybrid Format (Image: X/@ugc_india)
UGC Chairman Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar expressed his views on the new CUET-UG Hybrid Format, reduced subject numbers, and break system in the upcoming exam and how the amendments in the system are going to help students.
Highlighting the reason behind the idea of conducting CUET-UG in hybrid mode, UGC chairman told IANS that this will provide more test centres nationwide and will benefit candidates from rural areas to participate in the examination closer to their homes. The decision has been taken to promote geographical inclusivity and to ensure equal opportunities for all. Additionally, the hybrid mode gives the importance of adapting to diverse testing environments, said Jagdish Kumar.
This year, students will be allowed to write up to six papers, as opposed to the previous requirement of ten. This choice was made because, in the previous year”s test, a very small fraction of students chose to take ten papers. In addition, UGC is ensuring a break between the exams on the same day which provides students a mental and physical break, allowing them to transition between subjects and reduce stress, he said.
A hybrid mode of CUET-UG offer more test centers nationwide, particularly aiding rural students. Scheduling breaks and limiting papers reduce coaching center reliance: Prof. @mamidala90 https://t.co/utp6fin0wN#CUET #cuetug2024 #NTA
— UGC INDIA (@ugc_india) February 26, 2024
In the present system, the scheduling of papers becomes very complex, which leads to conducting the test over several days. However, in the new system “students can write six papers in different combinations, such as 4 domain papers, 1 language paper, 1 general test paper or, 3 domain papers, 2 language papers, and 1 general test paper”, said Chairmen, “CUET-UG can be scheduled over fewer days, which is good for the students.”
He also informed about the moderate difficulty level of questions in the CUET-UG exam, which will reduce students’ reliance on coaching centres. Students” intrinsic motivation and self-efficacy can be enhanced by answering questions with a realistic difficulty level since they will feel more confident in their capacity to study for the test and do well on it without excessive outside assistance, he added.
As NTA is now administering CUET-UG in a hybrid method, additional centers in cities and students will be able to choose the centers of their choice. A week before the test date, NTA will announce the cities where the student must take the exam. Students can download their admit cards a few days before the test for security reasons.
