The unexpected delay caused anxiety among students and parents as the first shift examination could not begin on time at certain centres. While the majority of candidates eventually completed the test after services were restored, thousands who had already completed biometric verification reportedly left the centres before the examination resumed.
NTA Confirms Re-Examination for Affected Candidates
In an official statement, the NTA acknowledged the inconvenience caused by the technical issue and apologized to students.
According to the agency, a technical glitch affected the start of the first shift examination at some centres. The NTA stated that it immediately directed the technical service provider, TCS iON, to investigate the matter and submit a detailed root-cause analysis report.
The agency clarified that approximately 95% of candidates were able to complete their examination after the system was restored. However, 3,765 candidates who had successfully completed biometric registration chose not to wait for the examination to restart and left the centres.
To ensure fairness, the NTA has decided to conduct a special rescheduled examination as a one-time measure for these candidates. The revised examination date and additional details will be announced separately.
TCS Says Issue Was Resolved Promptly
Responding to the incident, K. Krithivasan, Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of Tata Consultancy Services, stated that a brief technical issue caused an approximate two-hour delay in the morning shift examination.
According to the company, technical teams quickly identified and resolved the issue, allowing the examination process to resume. TCS maintained that the incident had no impact on the integrity or sanctity of the examination and expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to candidates.
Students Report Longer Delays
While official statements referred to a delay of around two hours, several candidates and parents took to social media platforms alleging that the disruption lasted between three and four hours at certain centres.
Videos showing students protesting against examination authorities and demanding clarity regarding the conduct of the examination were also widely circulated online.
Compensatory Time Provided to Candidates
Following the disruption, the NTA informed candidates through its official social media channels that the technical issue had been resolved and that examinations would continue with full compensatory time.
To ensure that no student was disadvantaged, revised timings were announced for the afternoon session:
- Reporting and Entry Time: 2:30 PM
- Examination Start Time: 4:00 PM
The agency emphasized that all necessary measures were taken to maintain fairness and equal opportunity for candidates.
About CUET-UG
Introduced in 2022, theCommon University Entrance Test (CUET) serves as a centralized admission examination for undergraduate programmes offered by Central Universities and numerous participating State, Deemed, and Private Universities across India.
The examination was launched under the framework of the National Education Policy 2020 with the objective of creating a uniform admission process and providing equal opportunities to students from different educational backgrounds and regions.
According to the official CUET framework, the examination aims to provide a common platform for candidates across urban, rural, and remote areas while simplifying admissions into participating institutions nationwide.
NTA Under Continued Scrutiny
The latest CUET-UG disruption has added to growing concerns regarding the conduct of major national-level examinations overseen by the NTA.
The agency has faced criticism in recent years following controversies surrounding entrance examinations, particularly medical admission tests.
One of the most significant controversies emerged after allegations of irregularities in NEET-UG 2024, which led to an investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation> (CBI). The agency subsequently filed charge sheets against dozens of accused individuals.
More recently, the NTA cancelled the NEET-UG 2026 examination conducted on May 3 after complaints regarding a suspected question paper leak. The examination was later rescheduled for June 21, while the CBI launched an investigation on the recommendation of the Education Ministry. So far, multiple arrests have reportedly been made in connection with the case.
Fresh Controversy Follows CBSE Evaluation Concerns
The CUET-UG technical glitch has emerged shortly after another education-sector controversy involving the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Ministry of Education.
Questions were recently raised regarding discrepancies in the On-Screen Marking (OSM) evaluation process used for the Class 12 board examinations, triggering concerns among students and educators about transparency and assessment practices.
What Happens Next?
Candidates affected by the CUET-UG 2026 disruption are now awaiting official notification regarding the rescheduled examination. The NTA has assured students that fresh details regarding the re-test schedule, admit cards, and examination arrangements will be announced separately.
For thousands of candidates whose university admission plans depend on CUET scores, the upcoming re-examination will be crucial in ensuring they receive a fair opportunity to compete for admission to participating institutions across the country.