'First NEET, then CBSE, now CUET': Opposition slams Modi govt after exam delay, NTA cites technical 'glitch'

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) 2026 faced disruption at several examination centres across India on Saturday after a technical issue delayed the start of the test. While the National Testing Agency (NTA) later said the problem had been resolved and exams were conducted with compensatory time, the incident triggered sharp criticism from opposition leaders.

Opposition targets centre over exam management

The delay quickly became a political flashpoint, with opposition parties linking it to a series of controversies surrounding major national examinations.

Aam Aadmi Party leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Atishi accused the government of repeatedly failing students. In a post on X, she wrote, "First NEET, then CBSE, now CUET," referring to the recent NEET-UG paper leak controversy and disputes over the CBSE Class 12 evaluation process.

Also Read | 'PM personally supervising': Centre tells SC as court seeks answers on NEET-UG leak probe

Sharing a photograph of a notice displayed outside examination centres, Atishi added, "Today CUET has been delayed due to a ‘technical issue’. Lakhs of students were to take the exam in all parts of India today and after waiting for hours, such notices have been put up outside all centres. Remarkable incompetence @dpradhanbjp!"

Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi also criticised the government. In a post on X, he said, "NEET. CBSE. SSC. And today CUET. Four exams. One crore children. Not a single one conducted with honesty."

Questioning the government's education record, Gandhi added, "The generation whose future you are destroying — that same generation will hold you accountable."

AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal joined the criticism by sharing one of Atishi's posts and commenting, "The country needs an educated PM."

Also Read | Rekha Gupta announces free bus rides for NEET UG aspirants across Delhi

NTA cites technical issue at TCS

Responding to concerns, the NTA said the disruption stemmed from a technical problem reported by its technology partner, Tata Consultancy Services (TCS).

In an official statement, the agency said, "M/s TCS has reported that a technical glitch at their end delayed the commencement of CUET (UG) 2026 at some centres on 30.05.2026. The issue has since been resolved, and the exam is being conducted with full compensatory time so that no candidate is disadvantaged."

The morning session reportedly started more than two hours late at some centres. As a result, the afternoon shift schedule was revised, with reporting time moved to 2:30 pm and the examination beginning at 4 pm instead of 3 pm.

Also Read | Government weighs Indian Air Force role in secure transport of NEET-UG re-test papers

Fresh questions over exam conduct

The latest disruption comes weeks after the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026 following allegations of paper leaks and irregularities. The SSC GD Constable Exam 2026 also witnessed technical disruptions and allegations of malpractice.

Acknowledging the inconvenience caused by Saturday's delay, the NTA said, "NTA sincerely regrets the inconvenience caused to students and parents."

CUET-UG, introduced in 2022 under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework, serves as a common entrance test for undergraduate admissions across central, state and participating private universities. The 2026 examination cycle began on May 11 and is scheduled to conclude on May 31.