NTA Reschedules CUET UG 2026 for 3,765 Students After Major Technical Glitch
Thousands of students across India faced confusion and stress after a major technical glitch disrupted the CUET UG 2026 examination process, forcing the National Testing Agency (NTA) to announce a rescheduled exam for 3,765 affected candidates.
The disruption occurred after a technical issue linked to TCS iON delayed the first shift of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG) nationwide. The issue reportedly affected hundreds of test centers, creating panic among students waiting to begin one of India’s most important undergraduate entrance examinations.
According to NTA officials, around 95% of candidates at affected centers were eventually able to complete their examinations after authorities extended exam timings. However, students who left their exam centers before the delayed session restarted will now be given another opportunity through a rescheduled test.
What Caused the CUET UG 2026 Delay?
The disruption reportedly originated from a technical malfunction involving TCS iON, the technology platform responsible for conducting the computer-based examination.
The glitch delayed Shift 1 operations nationwide, impacting approximately 533 examination centers and creating uncertainty for lakhs of candidates preparing to take the highly competitive exam.
As a result, authorities delayed afternoon sessions, which reportedly began around 4 p.m. instead of their scheduled timings to accommodate disruptions caused earlier in the day.
The NTA later issued a public apology, acknowledging the anxiety and inconvenience caused to students and parents.
Officials also confirmed that a detailed root-cause analysis has been ordered to determine exactly what triggered the widespread technical breakdown and prevent similar disruptions in future examinations.
3,765 Students to Get Fresh Exam Opportunity
While most students managed to complete their exams after receiving additional time, 3,765 candidates reportedly left their examination centers before the sessions resumed due to uncertainty and confusion.
To ensure fairness, the National Testing Agency has now announced a special rescheduled examination for these candidates.
NTA stated that affected students will receive fresh exam details, including updated dates, admit cards, and center information through official communication channels.
Students are advised to regularly monitor the official CUET and NTA websites for the latest updates regarding the revised examination schedule.
Social Media Criticism Intensifies
The incident has triggered strong reactions online, with many students and parents questioning the reliability of major national examinations.
On social media, users linked the latest CUET disruption to past controversies surrounding competitive exams, including the NEET examination cancellation debate and earlier technical concerns reported during CBSE-related processes.
Several students expressed frustration over mental stress caused by uncertainty during exam hours, arguing that technical failures during high-pressure entrance tests can significantly affect performance.
Education experts have also stressed the importance of stronger technical infrastructure and backup systems for national-level digital examinations involving millions of candidates.
Why CUET UG Matters for Students
The Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG) plays a critical role in admissions to central universities and several top institutions across India.
Any disruption in the examination process can directly impact admission timelines, preparation schedules, and student confidence.
With university admissions depending heavily on CUET scores, students now await clarity on revised dates and assurances that future technical issues will be avoided.
For now, affected candidates are being urged to stay calm and keep official documents ready while waiting for NTA’s next announcement regarding the rescheduled exam.
Disclaimer: Students should verify all updates only through official NTA and CUET portals to avoid misinformation circulating on social media.
