The allotment of examination centres for the Common University Entrance Test Undergraduate 2026 (CUET-UG) has triggered widespread concern among students and parents across India after many aspirants were assigned centres located far from their hometowns and, in several cases, even in different States.

The issue has once again raised questions regarding the logistical management of one of India’s largest entrance examinations conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA).

Students are now struggling with:

• Long-distance travel
• Rising accommodation expenses
• Safety concerns
• Financial burden
• Uncertainty about appearing for the examination

The situation has become especially stressful for students from middle-class and economically weaker families.

CUET UG One of India’s Largest Entrance Exams

CUET-UG serves as a major gateway for undergraduate admissions into:

• Central universities
• State universities
• Deemed universities
• Private universities

across the country.

Every year, lakhs of students appear for the examination hoping to secure admission into prestigious higher education institutions.

According to available information:

More than 14 lakh registrations were recorded in 2026

while approximately:

11 to 13 lakh students

appear annually for the test.

The examination for this year is scheduled between:

May 11 and May 31

Students Shocked After City Intimation Slips Released

The controversy intensified after the NTA released advanced city intimation slips on:

April 29

Several students discovered that their allotted examination centres were located:

• Hundreds of kilometres away
• In neighbouring states
• Far beyond their selected preferences

The development immediately triggered frustration and concern among aspirants and parents.

Students Facing Financial and Travel Pressure

For many students, the distant centre allotment has created unexpected financial challenges.

The additional burden includes:

• Train or bus tickets
• Hotel accommodation
• Food expenses
• Guardian travel costs

Many families had already paid examination registration fees and now face further expenses at short notice.

Students from smaller towns and rural areas appear particularly affected.

Gurugram Student Allotted Centre in Agra

One of the students affected by the issue is:

Varsha Bhardwaj

an 18-year-old student studying at Global Public School in Sector 67, Gurugram.

She was reportedly allotted an examination centre in:

Agra, Uttar Pradesh

located nearly:

190 kilometres away

from her home.

The student expressed uncertainty regarding whether she would even be able to appear for the examination.

Safety Concerns Becoming Major Issue

Safety concerns have emerged as one of the biggest challenges for many students, especially female candidates travelling alone.

Varsha reportedly stated that:

• Her parents were uncomfortable allowing her to travel alone
• No family member was available to accompany her
• Overnight travel and accommodation would become necessary

Such concerns have increased anxiety among families already dealing with examination pressure.

Some Students Reconsidering CUET UG

The centre allocation issue has become so serious for some students that they are reconsidering whether to appear for the examination at all.

Students facing:

• Long-distance travel
• Financial limitations
• Accommodation difficulties
• Safety concerns

are reportedly evaluating alternative higher education plans.

The uncertainty has created emotional stress during a critical academic period.

NTA Faces Repeated Criticism Over Logistics

The National Testing Agency has faced criticism in previous years as well regarding:

• Centre allocation
• Technical glitches
• Scheduling concerns
• Examination logistics

CUET-UG’s large scale creates significant operational challenges because candidates appear from across India.

However, students and parents argue that centres should ideally be allotted within reasonable travelling distance.

Parents Concerned About Young Students Travelling Alone

Parents of younger aspirants have also raised concerns regarding:

• Long overnight journeys
• Safety during interstate travel
• Accommodation arrangements
• Exam-day stress

Many families believe students should not have to travel extremely long distances for entrance examinations.

The issue becomes even more difficult for candidates from conservative or financially constrained households.

Rising Competition Increasing Examination Pressure

CUET-UG has become one of the most competitive entrance examinations in India due to the growing demand for university admissions.

Students already face intense academic pressure involving:

• High cut-offs
• Entrance preparation
• Limited seats
• Career uncertainty

Logistical problems related to examination centres further increase mental stress among aspirants.

Education Accessibility Questions Raised

The issue has also sparked debate regarding equal access to higher education opportunities.

Critics argue that distant centre allotments can disproportionately affect:

• Economically weaker students
• Rural candidates
• Female students
• First-generation learners

Such barriers may discourage deserving students from participating in national-level entrance examinations.

Accommodation Costs Becoming Additional Burden

Students allotted centres in distant cities may require:

• Hotel bookings
• One or two-day stays
• Transportation arrangements

This significantly raises examination-related expenses for families already dealing with education costs.

For some households, these additional expenses may become difficult to manage.

Emotional Stress Affecting Aspirants

Apart from financial concerns, students are also experiencing emotional anxiety because of the uncertainty surrounding travel and examination logistics.

Many aspirants are attempting to balance:

• Exam preparation
• Travel planning
• Safety concerns
• Financial pressure

during the final days before the examination.

The stress may potentially affect academic performance as well.

Calls for Better Examination Planning

Students, parents, and education observers are increasingly demanding better planning mechanisms for large-scale national examinations.

Suggestions often include:

• Improved centre distribution
• Increased number of exam cities
• Better candidate preference management
• Transparent allocation systems

Many believe technological improvements can help reduce such logistical problems.

Demand for Regional Accessibility

Education experts have repeatedly emphasised the importance of regional accessibility in national entrance examinations.

Providing centres closer to students’ hometowns can help:

• Reduce stress
• Improve participation
• Ensure fairness
• Increase accessibility

The latest controversy has intensified calls for examination reforms.

Rural and Small Town Students Most Affected

Students from smaller towns frequently face additional disadvantages because examination infrastructure is often concentrated in larger urban centres.

This can lead to:

• Longer travel distances
• Higher expenses
• Limited transportation options

The centre allocation issue has once again highlighted the uneven distribution of examination infrastructure across regions.

Social Media Reactions Growing

Many students and parents have also expressed frustration on social media platforms regarding centre allocation concerns.

Posts discussing:

• Interstate allotments
• Long-distance travel
• Accommodation problems
• Safety worries

have gained significant attention online.

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