Challenges Faced by Students in CUET 2023 Exam and How to Overcome Them

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) is a significant milestone for aspiring students seeking admission to top universities in India. However, the CUET-UG 2023 exam, the first time it was conducted, came with its fair share of challenges, from confusion over exam centers to uncertainty about the syllabus. This article aims to shed light on the difficulties faced by students in the CUET 2023 exam and provide valuable tips to streamline preparation strategies for the upcoming CUET 2024.

The Importance of CUET as a Gateway to Higher Education

CUET serves as a crucial gateway for students aiming to pursue higher education in prestigious Central Universities across India. Conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), the exam holds immense significance and requires thorough preparation to secure admission to desired courses and institutions.

Challenges faced by students and suggestions to overcome them:

• Challenges with Exam Centers and Admit Cards: One of the primary challenges faced by students in the CUET 2023 exam was related to the distribution of admit cards and uncertainty surrounding exam centers. Many students received their admit cards just a few days before the exam, causing panic and discomfort. Additionally, last-minute reshuffling of exam centers added to the stress and anxiety among candidates.

To avoid similar situations in the future, students must proactively keep track of all communication from the exam authorities. Ensuring that personal information, including contact details, is accurate and up-to-date is crucial for receiving timely updates about exam centers and admit cards. Staying in touch with relevant authorities can also help in clarifying any doubts or issues related to admit cards and exam centers. At the same time, NTA must also ensure that a common schedule is released and all students are issued admit cards in advance, so that they don’t feel the pressure of waiting everyday for their turn of admit cards and exam details.

• Addressing Date Sheet Issues: The date sheet for the CUET 2023 exam drew criticism from students who felt it created an unfair advantage for some candidates. Conducting multiple exams on the same day puts undue pressure on students and adversely impacts their performance.

To address this concern for CUET 2024, students should actively engage in providing feedback to exam authorities and student representatives. Their participation in the feedback process can lead to better scheduling and more considerate arrangements, ensuring that candidates have ample time to prepare for each exam.

• Navigating Uncertainty in the CUET Syllabus: The uncertainty surrounding the CUET syllabus was another challenge faced by students in 2023. Several students experienced confusion and frustration due to additional topics incorporated into the exam beyond the standard syllabus of 12.

To overcome this challenge for CUET 2024, students should carefully review the official syllabus released by the exam conducting body. Seeking clarification from subject matter experts or teachers can also help in understanding the scope of the syllabus and focusing on essential topics.

CUET 2023 has seen more than 22,000 hundred percentiles which will increase the cut-offs for the top colleges. Thereby, making it difficult to get entry in the top institutions like Delhi University and its affiliated colleges.

Tips for Effective CUET Preparation:

• Start Early: Commence your preparation well in advance to allow sufficient time for comprehensive coverage of the syllabus and ample practice. Early preparation will alleviate last-minute stress and enhance your overall confidence. With the number of 100 percentiles increasing, students are putting their best put forward. A single mistake can bring down the percentile from 100 to 99, which in turn will reduce the chances of selection in top colleges. One must be fully adept with the syllabus and practice a lot to ensure there is no room for error.
• Create a Study Plan: Develop a structured study plan that allocates time for each subject and incorporates regular revision sessions. A well-organized study plan will ensure systematic learning and effective time management.
• Utilize Quality Study Material: Access reputable study resources, textbooks, and online materials to enhance your understanding of concepts. High-quality study material can be instrumental in clarifying doubts and reinforcing knowledge.
• Take Mock Tests: Practice with mock tests and previous years' question papers to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and gain confidence. Mock tests will also help in identifying weak areas that require more attention. Starting early with the tests gives enough time to take corrective action and minimize the scope of error.
• Seek Expert Guidance: Join coaching classes or seek guidance from experienced mentors to clarify doubts and receive valuable insights. Expert guidance will provide a structured approach to exam preparation.
• Time Management: Practice time management while solving questions during mock tests to ensure you complete the exam within the allotted time. Time management is crucial for attempting all questions accurately.
• Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated with current affairs, as some questions may draw from beyond the standard syllabus. Stay abreast of relevant news and developments to excel in the general knowledge section.

Plan for Universities and Colleges:

One of the important aspects ignored is the number of universities participating in CUET. Every university has set their own eligibility criteria for their undergraduate courses, which will vary for each university. The requirements of subjects may differ, and students may be required to take up additional subjects in the CUET paper. It is important to make the decision early about the courses and universities, based on which the papers can be decided, and a preparation plan is made.

Preparing for the CUET exam is undoubtedly a challenging journey for students. However, learning from the challenges faced by candidates in the previous year can help in devising a robust preparation strategy for CUET 2024. Remain focused, determined, and committed to your studies. With proper planning, practice, and guidance, you can enhance your chances of success in the CUET exam and secure admission to your desired university or institution.

About the author: Mr. Amritendra Kumar, Assistant Vice President & Product Head for CUET at Career Launcher. He is UG expert & trainer for 15+ years. He is the academic head as well as a student mentor who loves to guide students towards success by helping them crack the entrance exams. He loves interacting with students, helping them with strategies and analyzing their performance to understand their strengths and to adapt. An avid reader, Amitendra writes on exams and colleges in newspapers and magazines regularly, helping the student community.