UGC Allows Central Universities to Tackle Vacant Seats Independently

UGC announced central universities can conduct their own entrance exams or admit students based on qualifying exam marks if seats remain vacant after CUET admissions. This move aims to prevent resource wastage and ensure students get access to higher education. CUET scores remain the primary admission criterion.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued new guidelines allowing central universities to address vacant seats through independent entrance exams or by admitting students based on their qualifying exam marks. This decision aims to prevent the wastage of academic resources and ensure broader access to higher education.

UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar highlighted that seats remaining vacant after multiple rounds of counselling through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) negatively impact students aspiring for higher studies. The UGC asserts that CUET scores will still be the primary admission criterion, but universities can relax subject-specific criteria if needed.

The commission also urged universities to complete admission processes on time, maintaining merit and transparency, ensuring no academic loss for students. Since 2022, CUET has been the standard method for admissions to both undergraduate and postgraduate courses in central universities.