Lok Sabha Elections: CUET UG 2024, NEET UG 2024, and JEE Main 2024 Dates Overlap Raises Concerns

NTA Expected to Address Scheduling Conflict Amidst CUET UG 2024, NEET UG 2024, and JEE Main 2024 Exam Dates Clash with General Elections 2024

In a major announcement today, Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar unveiled the comprehensive schedule for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. Spanning seven phases, the polling is set to commence on April 19 and extend until June 1, with the much-anticipated results slated for declaration on June 4.

However, amidst the fervor of democratic participation, a palpable concern emerges as the electoral calendar collides with the dates of several major entrance examinations crucial for the academic futures of countless aspiring students. Notably, the Lok Sabha Poll Schedule, comprising dates from April 19 to June 1, significantly overlaps with the timelines of critical examinations such as CUET UG 2024, NEET UG 2024, and JEE Main 2024. This convergence prompts apprehensions among stakeholders regarding the potential disruption and stress this clash may impose on students preparing for these pivotal exams.

The Lok Sabha Poll Schedule spans April 19, April 26, May 7, May 13, May 20, May 25, and June 1. However, this timeframe coincides with several major entrance examinations slated to occur across the country. Notable exams affected include CUET UG 2024, NEET UG 2024, and JEE Main 2024.

Earlier this month, addressing these concerns, UGC Chairman Prof M. Jagadesh Kumar speaking with Shiksha.com hinted at potential rescheduling by the National Testing Agency (NTA) to align with the Lok Sabha election schedule.

Moreover, specific assembly polls are also set to take place during this period. Andhra Pradesh's assembly poll is scheduled for May 13, while Sikkim and Arunachal Pradesh will hold theirs on April 19. Odisha's assembly poll coincides with Andhra Pradesh on May 13.

An estimated 97 crore eligible voters are expected to participate in the forthcoming Lok Sabha elections.

Impact on Major Entrance Exams:

CUET UG 2024:

The NTA has scheduled the CUET 2024 exam to run from May 15 to May 31, 2024, adopting a hybrid mode. Subject to more than 1.5 lakh registrations, pen and paper mode will be implemented. Notably, the number of CUET domain subjects has been expanded to 29, with choices reduced to six for smoother examination and evaluation processes. CUET serves as a gateway for admission into various undergraduate and postgraduate programs across central universities, including prestigious institutions like Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, and Hyderabad University.

NEET UG Exam 2024:

NEET UG exam 2024 is slated for May 05, 2024, with the application deadline extended till March 16, 2024. The unprecedented surge in applications, exceeding 25 lakh for the first time, underscores its significance. NTA has also identified 14 foreign cities for conducting NEET UG 2024.

NTA JEE Mains 2024 April Session:

The JEE Main Session 2 exam 2024 is scheduled from April 4 to 15. NTA plans to release the JEE Main Session 2 Admit Card on April 1, with the exam city intimation slip available for download by the last week of March. Earlier, the JEE Main 2024 Session 1 was conducted from January 24 to February 1, with results released on February 12.

As stakeholders await further updates on potential rescheduling, the clash between Lok Sabha elections and these crucial entrance exams has raised concerns among students, parents, and educational authorities alike.