Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu has urged the central government and the National Testing Agency (NTA) to establish CUET 2026 examination centres within the state, citing the hardships faced by students who currently travel long distances to appear for the exam.
The appeal comes amid growing concerns over accessibility and equal opportunities for students from remote and border regions of Northeast India.
Students Forced to Travel Outside the State
At present, many students from Arunachal Pradesh have to travel to neighbouring states such as Assam to appear for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET).
This creates several challenges, including:
- High travel expenses
- Accommodation costs
- Safety concerns for students and parents
- Difficulty in reaching exam centres from remote districts
According to officials, the issue particularly affects students from rural and hilly regions where transportation infrastructure remains limited.
Why CUET Centres in Arunachal Matter
The Chief Minister emphasized that the absence of CUET centres within the state creates an uneven playing field for students aspiring to secure admission into central universities and other higher education institutions.
Having local exam centres would:
- Reduce financial burden on families
- Improve accessibility for rural students
- Encourage greater participation in national entrance exams
- Ensure equal opportunities in higher education
Education experts have also pointed out that students from remote states often face disadvantages due to geographical barriers.
Growing Importance of CUET in India
CUET has become one of India’s most significant entrance examinations for undergraduate admissions.
The exam is now used by:
- Central universities
- State universities
- Deemed institutions
- Other participating colleges across the country
With the increasing importance of CUET in college admissions, accessibility to examination centres has become a major concern for students in remote regions.
Northeast States Seeking Better Education Infrastructure
The demand for CUET centres in Arunachal Pradesh reflects a broader push for improved educational infrastructure in Northeast India.
In recent years, the region has witnessed:
- Expansion of higher education institutions
- Increased student participation in national exams
- Greater focus on digital and academic inclusion
However, students still face logistical challenges in accessing national-level examination facilities.
