Several private universities in India are showing hesitancy in adopting the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) as the primary entrance test for undergraduate admissions due to technical glitches and delayed admission processes in the past. However, some private universities, such as BML Munjal University, GD Goenka University, Lovely Professional University, Galgotias University, and SRM University, have already adopted the CUET for 2023 admissions.

Shuchika Vinayak, the Head of Admissions at BML Munjal University, stated that the university has been accepting CUET scores since the first year of the examination for all undergraduate programmes. She added that a good CUET score not only helps applicants in being eligible for the course of their preference but also grants merit scholarships to deserving students based on their scores.

Aman Mittal, the Vice President of Lovely Professional University (LPU), stated that LPU would be participating in CUET for the first time this year. He added that if there are no glitches in the exam and the government maintains the timelines, LPU would consider switching to CUET. However, as it would be the first year, they will not be changing their admission process entirely. The university conducts its own admission test (LPUNEST) for various courses.

Major General Bhaskar Chakravarty, the Director of Admissions at Amity University, expressed his concern over the uncertainty surrounding admission through CUET. He stated that there is no guarantee of admission through CUET, and when students fail to make the grade through CUET for admission into government universities, they fall back on private universities. Therefore, he believes that students can exercise that option well ahead of the conduct of the CUET. Chakravarty also added that Amity University begins its admissions early in the year to give students the opportunity to go through the selection process, take admission and secure their seats, well before the CUET fever grips them.

Mahindra University also emphasises commencing the admission process early in the year to let students make their decisions in a stress-free environment. Dr Yajulu Medury, the Vice Chancellor of Mahindra University, stated that this approach helps the university get the crème de la crème of students. Mahindra University is in the process of getting empanelled with CUET.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has made it mandatory for all central universities to adopt CUET for admissions to all undergraduate programmes from 2023. The UGC Chief, M Jagadesh Kumar, has said that there will be no delay in admissions this year. CUET UG will take place from 21-31 May, and results will be announced in June. The admission process can start in July’s first week, and classes can start no later than August 1. Kumar has assured that suitable infrastructure will be provided for smooth conduct of CUET-UG.

In conclusion, while some private universities have adopted the CUET for undergraduate admissions, others are still hesitant due to past technical glitches and delayed admission processes. Nonetheless, the UGC has made it mandatory for all central universities to adopt CUET for undergraduate admissions, and the test is set to take place in May 2023. Private universities will have to weigh the benefits of adopting CUET against their concerns over past issues and uncertainties surrounding admission through the new entrance test.

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