To ensure all seats in Central Universities are filled, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has released standard operating procedures (SOPs).
“Leaving seats vacant for an entire academic year is not only a waste of resources but also denies many aspiring students the opportunity for quality higher education in Central Universities,” stated the UGC.
The UGC reiterated that the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) scores will remain the primary criteria for admitting students to central universities. However, students who appeared in CUET but did not apply to the respective university for specific courses or programs earlier may also be considered.
Additionally, universities may conduct their own entrance examinations or have the concerned department administer a screening test to fill any remaining vacant seats. If seats remain vacant after exhausting the list of CUET applicants, universities can admit students based on their marks in the qualifying examination.
The SOP further states that students who appeared in CUET may be considered regardless of the domain subject papers they took. Universities can relax domain-specific criteria for admission to particular courses or programs.
The UGC emphasised that the entire admission process must be based on merit and transparency, with the reservation roster applied to all admissions. Universities must also ensure the admission process is completed on time to prevent any academic loss for students.