CUET Glitches Persist: Students Demand Accountability as NTA's Repeat Errors Erode Trust

The National Testing Agency (NTA), responsible for conducting major entrance exams like CUET, JEE, and NEET, is facing growing criticism over repeated technical and logistical failures. Students argue that these persistent issues are undermining the credibility of the examination system, which they once considered a fair measure of their aptitude.

A student appearing for CUET 2023 described an ordeal at an NTA centre in Noida, where a kilometre-long queue and biometric verification problems caused a 30-minute delay. Officials reportedly struggled with the verification process, and the student was told that Aadhaar biometrics needed to be updated after turning 18—a requirement not communicated beforehand. Although the student was eventually allowed to take the exam, the experience raised concerns about preparedness even at the agency's own centres.

Two years later, a relative faced similar difficulties during CUET, including logistical issues, technical glitches, and poor coordination among officials. This pattern suggests that the NTA has not effectively addressed recurring problems despite multiple complaints and media reports.

The controversies surrounding the NTA have ranged from exam irregularities and paper leaks to schedule changes and technical failures. While no large-scale operation is immune to setbacks, the repetition of similar issues—particularly biometric problems and last-minute disruptions—has created a perception of systemic uncertainty. For some students, these failures have had severe consequences, such as the denial of entry for being late by two minutes during the Re-NEET exam, while the agency itself has not faced similar accountability for its own delays.

Experts note that the legitimacy of competitive exams depends not only on the difficulty of questions but also on the fairness and reliability of the process. Students are prepared to face tough competition and even failure, but they expect a system that functions without recurring glitches that could derail years of preparation. Calls for reform are growing, with demands for improved technology, better communication, and greater accountability from the NTA.