Itanagar, May 3:
Parents and students across Arunachal Pradesh have voiced strong resentment over the CUET 2026 examination centre allocations, with many candidates being assigned centres far outside the state. The issue has reignited long-standing concerns over accessibility and fairness in conducting national-level entrance exams in geographically remote regions.
The National Testing Agency introduced the Common University Entrance Test in 2022 under the National Education Policy 2020, making it a mandatory gateway for undergraduate admissions to central universities. However, since its implementation, students from Arunachal Pradesh have consistently faced difficulties due to limited examination infrastructure within the state.
Many candidates have been compelled to travel to neighbouring Assam to appear for the examination. This year, the situation has escalated further after complaints surfaced that some students have been allotted centres as far as Manipur. Affected families have raised serious concerns regarding the financial burden, safety risks, and logistical challenges associated with long-distance travel, especially for students from remote and hilly areas.
At present, CUET is conducted at only four centres within the state—NIT Jote, NERIST Nirjuli, RGU Doimukh, and iON Digital Zone Naharlagun—located in and around the capital region. While these centres play a crucial role, they remain insufficient to accommodate the widespread student population across Arunachal Pradesh’s vast terrain.
Recognizing the issue, Education Minister PD Sona had, in 2025, formally requested the Ministry of Education to establish at least four additional CUET centres in Pasighat (East Siang), Bomdila (West Kameng), Tezu (Lohit), and Aalo (West Siang). However, despite this appeal, there appears to have been no significant progress or policy action taken so far, as the shortage of examination centres in Arunachal Pradesh continues to persist. Students and stakeholders argue that the lack of follow-up implementation has left the situation unchanged, forcing candidates to once again depend on distant centres this year.
Students and guardians have now appealed for immediate intervention from Chief Minister Pema Khandu and Meje Taku. The matter has also gained traction with the All Arunachal Pradesh Students' Union, which has demanded urgent corrective measures and a review of the centre allocation system.
Students have urged the NTA to reassess its allocation process to ensure fair and accessible examination centres within Arunachal Pradesh, emphasizing that equal opportunity in national-level examinations must account for regional and infrastructural challenges.
