The National Testing Agency has allocated general exam students centers that are 500km away from their location that is 8 to 9 hours away! All students have started panicking and are tensed as to how they are going to commute forthwith. Apart from this the timing are also not fixed and will be given 3 days prior to the exam making it impossible to commute. The Common University Entrance Test (CUET) exams 2023, has approximately 15 lakh students giving the exams and have worked very hard for it, but now with these remote and fa away location many are considering to drop it.
When examination centers are located far away from a student’s location for entrance exams in India, it can pose certain challenges and considerations. Here are some potential scenarios and their implications:
Travel and Logistics: Students may need to travel long distances to reach the examination center, which can be physically and mentally exhausting. They would need to plan their journey, arrange transportation, and potentially incur additional costs for accommodation, meals, and other travel expenses.
Time Management: Traveling to a distant examination centre may require students to allocate more time for the journey, potentially impacting their overall preparation and study schedule. They need to factor in the travel time, adjust their routines, and ensure they arrive at the centre well in advance to avoid any last-minute rush.
Stress and Anxiety: The added pressure of traveling to an unfamiliar location, combined with the stress of the examination itself, can contribute to heightened anxiety levels among students. Being in an unfamiliar environment can affect their focus and concentration during the exam.
Local Infrastructure: Examination centres situated in remote or distant areas may have varying levels of infrastructure, facilities, and resources. This could affect the overall comfort and convenience provided to the students during the exam, such as seating arrangements, provision of study materials, and other necessary amenities.
Access to Support: Students who have to travel far away for exams may find it challenging to access the usual support systems they have, such as family, friends, or mentors. This lack of immediate support can impact their psychological well-being and their ability to seek guidance or assistance if needed.
To mitigate these challenges, it is important for students to plan ahead, manage their time effectively, and make necessary arrangements for travel and accommodation well in advance. They should also prioritize self-care and ensure they are mentally and physically prepared for the exam. Additionally, staying connected with peers, online communities, or educational platforms can help alleviate the feeling of isolation and provide support during the preparation phase.
When examination centers are located far away from students’ locations for entrance exams in India, it gives rise to several practical and emotional challenges. Students residing in rural or remote areas may encounter even greater difficulties in reaching distant examination centers due to limited transportation options and poor connectivity. This situation can disproportionately affect students from underprivileged backgrounds who may lack easy access to reliable transportation.
Traveling long distances to reach the examination center can have negative effects on students’ physical and mental well-being. The journey can be tiring and time-consuming, leading to fatigue, sleep disturbances, and heightened anxiety levels that may impact their overall performance. Moreover, students with underlying health conditions may face additional challenges in managing their well-being during these journeys.
Factors beyond a student’s control, such as traffic congestion, adverse weather conditions, or transportation delays, can add further uncertainty and stress to the situation. Students may worry about arriving late for the exam or missing it altogether, exacerbating their anxiety levels. Students residing in rural or remote areas may face even greater difficulties in reaching distant examination centers. Limited transportation options and poor connectivity can make the journey more challenging and time-consuming. This situation can disproportionately affect students from underprivileged backgrounds who may not have easy access to reliable transportation.
Distant examination centers can contribute to educational inequality. Students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds may find it particularly challenging to bear the financial burden of travel expenses, accommodation, and other associated costs. This financial strain can prevent deserving students from appearing for exams, limiting their opportunities for higher education and perpetuating disparities.
The time and energy spent on traveling to distant centers divert students’ focus from engaging in additional learning activities, exploring other interests, or participating in extracurricular pursuits. It may also limit their ability to seek guidance from teachers or mentors, hindering their overall educational development.
Long-distance travel for exams also raises concerns about environmental sustainability. The increased carbon emissions from transportation can have detrimental effects on the environment. Thus, it becomes crucial for education authorities and institutions to explore alternative solutions that minimize the environmental impact associated with examination logistics.
To address these challenges, it is essential for authorities to consider implementing measures that prioritize equitable access to exams. This may involve setting up more examination centers or exploring alternative methods such as online proctored exams, reducing the need for physical travel. Providing financial assistance or subsidies for economically disadvantaged students can alleviate the financial burden. Moreover, investing in improved transportation infrastructure, especially in rural areas, can enhance accessibility for students living in remote regions and promote equal opportunities in education.
Students have started a petition stating that – All centers allocated for the CUET 2023 exams for general test students in Mumbai, are outside Mumbai 8 to 9 hours away. It is impossible to figure transportation and stay in such a short notice. Admit cards with time of the examination will be given 3 days prior to the date. The only option being that students will have to leave either a day or two prior and have to book tickets which are not available at such a short notice. Well aware of the fact that there are 15 lakh students giving the exams and it’s difficult to accommodate students, at the same time we also believe that if dates are changed or more dates are added for the examination with different timings and closer locations it will be feasible for everyone. We strongly believe that it is unfair to have centers so far away for a one hour exam especially for the general exam students! It is a firm request to change the centers allocated for the CUET exam to a more practically feasible location.
