CUET-UG 2026 was delayed at some examination centres on Saturday due to a technical glitch, prompting the NTA to revise schedules and provide full compensatory time to affected candidates (a file photo) | Photo Credit: PTI

The CUET-UG 2026, the standardised national-level entrance exam for admissions into undergraduate degree programmes, was delayed at some centres on Saturday due to a technical glitch, the National Testing Agency stated. It further stated that most candidates were able to complete their exams once the issue was resolved and exams resumed. At the same time, the Agency said it will hold a rescheduled exam for about 3,765 candidates in the morning shift who faced technical glitches, as a one-time measure. The agency has also said that the technical service provider, TCS-iON, has been asked to conduct a root-cause analysis and submit a report.

This comes close on the heels of NEET-UG paper leak leading to its cancellation and discrepancies reported in the 12th Board Exam results due to the introduction of the On-Screen Marking System.

In its updated statement, NTA on X said that “earlier today, some centres faced a technical glitch that delayed the start of Shift 1” during the morning shift of the CUET (UG) 2026 on May 30. “We know this was stressful, and we’re sorry for the anxiety it caused. The technical service provider, TCS iON, has been asked to conduct a root-cause analysis and submit its report immediately. Most candidates (about 95 per cent) were able to complete their exam once it resumed. We understand that 3,765 candidates who were present and had completed biometric registration chose to leave before the exam could restart. For these candidates, NTA will hold a rescheduled examination as a one-time measure,” it added in its post on X. NTA also said that it will announce a new date and details in this regard for these students.

In its earlier post on X, the Agency had informed about the revised timings for the afternoon shift of the examination and said that the morning shift students were being given compensatory time so they are not disadvantaged.

TCS explains disruption, assures exam integrity

In a statement, K. Krithivasan, CEO & MD, TCS, said, “A brief technical issue caused a delay of around two hours in the CUET-UG examination in the morning shift today. The issue was promptly identified and resolved by our technical teams, and the examination has since resumed without any impact to the sanctity of the exam. We regret the inconvenience. Our teams are actively monitoring all systems. We remain committed to working closely with NTA to ensure seamless conduct of the computer-based tests.”

Rahul Gandhi criticises government over exam management

The Opposition leaders slammed the government for the issues faced by students. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi stated in a post on X, “ NEET. CBSE. SSC. And today CUET.Four exams. One crore children. Not a single one was conducted with honesty. Claims of ‘world guru,’ but can’t conduct even one exam in the country - Modi ji has completely ruined the entire education system. The generation whose future you are destroying - that same generation will hold you accountable.”

Students, parents flag communication gaps

Several students and parents on social media posted that there was a lack of communication at examination centres about the delays causing confusion. In a video that went viral of an examination centre at Sector 64 of Noida, students who had come in the morning session at a centre stated they had to wait for hours and still could not take the exam.

Published on May 30, 2026