Student Federation of India Opposes NTA's CUET PG Exam Fee Hike

Student Federation of India (SFI) Strongly Condemns NTA's Fee Hike for CUET PG Exams, Alleges Threat to Educational Accessibility"

The Student Federation of India (SFI) has raised a resounding voice against the National Testing Agency's (NTA) recent decision to substantially increase fees for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) PG exams. Expressing outright opposition, the SFI, representing student interests, decried the hike as an impediment to educational inclusivity and an imposition of unjust financial burdens on aspiring candidates.

In a public statement, Aishe Ghosh, President of the SFI Delhi State Committee, vehemently criticized the NTA's move, accusing it of fostering a trajectory towards the privatization of education. Ghosh emphasized the impact of such arbitrary decisions, underscoring the disproportionate burden they place on students, particularly those hailing from marginalized communities.

"The BJP-led Central Government and its backed agency NTA have completely failed to make CUET an inclusive examination process," Ghosh asserted. "This fee hike is yet another example of gross negligence towards students' concerns and a stark departure from facilitating fair access to higher education."

The fee hike, varying from Rs 200 to Rs 600 across different categories, has triggered widespread discontent within the student community. The revised fees stand at Rs 1,200 for general category students, Rs 1,000 for OBC and EWS students, Rs 900 for SC/ST and third gender students, and Rs 800 for PwD students. Additionally, the charge for extra test papers surged from Rs 500 to Rs 600 per paper, affecting candidates' financial planning for multiple exam attempts.

Despite the mounting opposition, the NTA remains resolute in its decision. As per the examination calendar, the CUET PG exams are slated to take place from March 11 to March 28, 2024, conducted in two shifts daily. The NTA has committed to releasing the answer key by April 4, followed by the results within three weeks of the conclusion of the final examination. The escalating tension between student associations and the NTA portends a contentious path ahead regarding the accessibility and fairness of higher education in the country.