In a pivotal clarification, the Ministry of Education has stated that the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for undergraduates is not linked to the CBSE syllabus, but instead examines the general understanding of various class 12 subjects across all educational boards. Union Minister of State for Education, Subhas Sarkar, made this statement in a written response in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday.
According to Sarkar, the CUET, instituted from the academic year 2022-23, serves to alleviate the pressures on students, universities, and the education system as a whole. The minister emphasised that this standardised entrance exam equitably gauges students from various boards, levelling the playing field for all aspirants.
This key clarification from the Ministry puts to rest speculations about the CUET favouring a particular syllabus or board. The minister further debunked rumours of any proposals to abolish school boards or recognize only one for class 12 exams as prerequisites for the CUET.
The CUET-UG has quickly risen to prominence, becoming the country’s second-largest entrance exam in terms of applicants. The test has seen a robust response, with over 12.5 lakh students registering for the first edition, and 11.11 lakh candidates appearing for the second edition conducted in nine phases from May 21 to July 5.
