The release of the CUET UG City Intimation Slip on April 29, 2026, has triggered a wave of outrage among students across India. Many candidates found themselves assigned to distant exam cities, creating a storm of complaints regarding travel costs and preparation stress.
Before this announcement, students anticipated a more manageable examination process. The expectation was that they would be assigned to locations near their homes — easing both travel arrangements and the overall burden of preparing for the CUET UG exams scheduled from May 11 to May 31, 2026.
However, the decisive moment arrived when candidates checked their slips and discovered they had been allocated exam centers far from their preferred choices. Reports indicate that some students were directed to cities like Mohali or Jaipur, despite applying for more convenient options in Delhi or Agra.
Key statistics:
- The CUET UG will be conducted in over 280 cities across India.
- Candidates selected up to 4 preferred locations during application.
- The examination spans 21 days, with multiple shifts planned.
This situation has led to a flurry of complaints on social media platforms. An anonymous candidate voiced frustration: “I don’t know how a poor student like me will manage the expenses, especially in this extreme heat.” Such sentiments reflect the anxiety many feel about the financial strain imposed by unexpected travel.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has defended its decision, stating that the city intimation slip is designed to help students plan logistics ahead of time. Yet, it also confirmed that requests for rescheduling exam dates or shifts would not be entertained. This rigid stance has only amplified student grievances.
Experts suggest that while the city intimation slip is intended to streamline processes and reduce last-minute confusion, its implementation has inadvertently added stress. Many students now grapple with not just the academic pressures of the CUET but also the logistical burden of reaching far-off exam centers.
The upcoming weeks will reveal how these challenges affect candidates’ performances and experiences during one of India’s most critical entrance exams. As it stands, candidates are left navigating both their studies and unexpected travel hurdles—an added layer of complexity in an already demanding academic environment.
