On August 1, the University Grants Commission (UGC) took a significant step in enhancing the flexibility of admissions processes for central universities. The UGC authorized these universities to either administer their own entrance exams or admit students based on their performance in qualifying exams if seats remain unfilled after the completion of admissions through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET).
Under this new directive, while the CUET scores will remain the primary basis for admission decisions, the UGC has introduced provisions to address the issue of unoccupied seats. This adjustment means that central universities now have the option to consider candidates who have appeared for the CUET, regardless of the specific subjects they were tested in. This approach aims to optimize the utilization of available resources and ensure that all potential seats are filled.
The UGC provided two key reasons for implementing this change. Firstly, it was noted that despite multiple rounds of counseling, some central universities still end up with vacant seats. This situation not only represents an inefficient use of resources but also limits access to higher education for many deserving students. The UGC expressed concern that keeping seats unfilled throughout an academic year represents a significant waste and undermines the objective of providing quality education.
UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar highlighted the importance of addressing this issue by explaining that vacant seats not only squander valuable educational resources but also deny many students the chance to pursue higher studies in prestigious central universities. In light of this, the UGC has formulated new Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to facilitate the process of filling these seats. Kumar emphasized that students who participated in the CUET, even if they had not applied to a particular university for a specific program earlier, should also be considered for admission if they meet the criteria.
Furthermore, the UGC's directive allows universities the flexibility to admit students based on their performance in the qualifying examination, provided that seats remain unfilled after the CUET-based admissions. This measure aims to ensure that all available seats are utilized efficiently and that the educational opportunities provided by central universities are maximized.
The UGC stressed that, despite these adjustments, the admission process must adhere to principles of merit and transparency. It is crucial that the entire procedure remains fair and that reservation policies are applied consistently across all courses and programs. This approach ensures that the admissions process not only addresses the issue of vacant seats but also upholds the integrity and inclusiveness of the higher education system.