CUET UG 2026: Exam Fails to Start on Time Due to Technical Glitch; NTA Reschedules 3 PM Shift

May 30, 2026

The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) could not commence at the scheduled time on Saturday at several centers across the country due to technical glitches. The examination, originally slated to begin at 9:00 AM, eventually started at many centers around 11:23 AM, subjecting candidates and parents to a prolonged wait.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) stated that a technical malfunction was reported by M/s TCS, the agency responsible for conducting the examination. Consequently, the examination process scheduled for May 30, 2026, was disrupted, and the exam failed to begin on time at numerous test centers.

Entry Closed at 8:00 AM

According to reports, the entry process at the examination centers was halted as early as 8:00 AM. A large number of students had arrived at the centers well ahead of the scheduled time. However, the entire examination process was thrown into disarray due to the technical issues that surfaced just moments before the exam was set to begin.

Students at several centers were forced to wait for hours. The prolonged delay in the commencement of the exam created a state of confusion among the candidates, while parents also expressed their frustration.

Reports of Exam Cancellation at Some Centers

The CUET (Common University Entrance Test) held on Saturday at the Adarsh ​​Examination Center in Sector-64, Noida, proved to be a source of immense distress for students and parents alike. Hundreds of candidates who had arrived in the morning to take the exam were made to wait for hours; however, due to technical glitches, the examination could not be conducted at all. Ultimately, the exam was cancelled.

Afternoon Session Timings Revised

Following the technical issues, the NTA revised the schedule for the afternoon session of the examination. According to the agency, the reporting and entry process for the afternoon session will now commence at 2:30 PM. Furthermore, the examination itself will now begin at 4:00 PM, instead of the originally scheduled time of 3:00 PM.

The NTA also clarified that candidates appearing in the morning shift are being allotted the full stipulated time duration to complete their question papers. Candidates will be permitted to exit the examination center only after the examination has concluded.

NTA Expresses Regret
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to students and parents. The agency stated that the technical issue has been resolved and that measures are being taken to ensure that no candidate is disadvantaged. The NTA gave an assurance that all affected students would be granted full compensatory time to ensure that the examination is conducted in a fair manner.

Helpline Number Issued
For any issues or inquiries related to the examination, candidates may contact the NTA helpline at +91-11-40759000. Additionally, assistance can be obtained via email at [email protected].

Candidates can view all official updates and information regarding the examination on the official website: cuet.nta.ac.in.