CUET-UG: NTA announces re-test for over 3,700 students after glitch

The Common University Entrance Test-Undergraduate (CUET-UG) 2026, a crucial examination for undergraduate admissions in India, was marred by a significant technical glitch on May 30, 2026, leading to widespread disruption and distress among students. The examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), experienced delays at several centers, primarily due to a technical issue reported by the service provider, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) [2, 3, 4, 20, 21]. The glitch primarily affected the morning shift (Shift 1) of the examination, causing many students to wait for extended periods without clear information about the exam's status [6]. While the NTA initially stated that the issue was resolved and compensatory time would be provided, confusion and anxiety prevailed at many centers [2, 17]. This led to approximately 3,765 candidates, who had completed their biometric registration and were present at their centers, leaving without taking the test [3, 4, 5, 9, 13, 14, 17, 20]. In response to the disruption, the NTA announced a one-time re-test for these affected candidates, assuring them that details regarding the new date and time would be communicated separately [3, 4, 5, 9, 13, 14, 17]. The agency also revised the timings for the afternoon session, with reporting and entry starting at 2:30 PM and the examination commencing at 4:00 PM instead of the originally scheduled 3:00 PM [2, 21]. Candidates who appeared for the morning session were reportedly given full compensatory time to complete their examination [2, 17, 21]. K. Krithivasan, CEO and MD of TCS, acknowledged a brief technical issue that caused a delay of around two hours in the morning shift, stating that the problem was promptly identified and resolved by their technical teams, ensuring no impact on the exam's sanctity [2, 3, 4, 17, 20]. TCS has been asked to conduct a root-cause analysis of the incident and submit a report [4, 5, 14]. The recurring technical issues and disruptions in national-level examinations, including the CUET-UG, have drawn criticism from various quarters. The opposition political parties, including Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, have targeted the central government, questioning its ability to conduct examinations smoothly and alleging a failure in the education system [4, 13]. The Arunachal Times, while reporting this incident, is a reputable regional daily newspaper from Arunachal Pradesh, India, known for its coverage of local, national, and international events [10, 12]. The newspaper has a history of investigative and environmental journalism and adheres to ethical reporting standards [10]. The credibility of the Arunachal Times is generally considered good within its operational region. The NTA has expressed sincere regret for the inconvenience caused to students and parents and has provided helpline numbers and email support for assistance [17]. The agency emphasized that it is committed to ensuring the fair conduct of examinations and addressing any challenges faced by candidates. The CUET-UG, introduced in 2022, is a significant examination that aims to standardize undergraduate admissions across numerous central, state, and private universities in India [2, 17]. The recurring technical glitches have raised concerns about the examination's reliability and the stress it imposes on students and their families, highlighting the need for robust technological infrastructure and stringent quality control measures in the conduct of such high-stakes assessments.

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