The release of the CUET UG City Intimation Slip on April 29, 2026, has ignited significant outrage among students in India. Many candidates have been assigned distant examination cities, leading to heightened concerns about travel costs and preparation stress as the exam period approaches.
Before this development, candidates expected to be assigned exam cities that were relatively close to their homes. The anticipation was that the National Testing Agency (NTA) would consider geographical proximity when allocating exam centres. However, the reality of receiving distant locations has shattered these expectations.
The immediate fallout from this situation includes a wave of student complaints regarding financial and logistical burdens. Candidates have reported being assigned to cities far from their homes, such as Mohali and Jaipur, despite having selected closer options during their application process. This has forced many to reconsider their travel arrangements.
According to reports, approximately 280 cities will host the CUET UG 2026 exams from May 11 to May 31. The city intimation slip serves as a preliminary notification but does not grant entry into the exam hall; candidates must still download their official admit card later.
The NTA has stated it will not accommodate requests for rescheduling exam dates or shifts, leaving students feeling trapped in a difficult situation. One anonymous candidate voiced their concern: “I don’t know how a poor student like me will manage the expenses, especially in this extreme heat.”
Experts emphasize that the city intimation slip plays a crucial role in helping students avoid last-minute confusion regarding travel logistics. It allows them to plan ahead but falls short when it assigns them to inconvenient locations.
This year’s CUET UG exam format will utilize Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across multiple shifts. As candidates prepare for this significant entrance test for university admissions in India, the logistical challenges posed by distant exam centres could impact their performance.
