Pune: The first day of the online University Grant Commission-National Eligibility Test (UGC-NET) went smoothly on Tuesday. The students have expressed a mixed reaction on the paper stating it to be difficult than previous years.
Around 9.5 lakh candidates will be appearing for the exam which is held online for the first time by National Testing Agency (NTA) over a period from December 18-22. It is being conducted at 598 centres in 91 cities.
The candidates have stated that there were no technical problems although its first online examination, however, the test was difficult in most of the disciplines.
“The difficulty level in this exam was higher compared to previous years. The exam was completed on time without any glitches,” said a candidate who appeared for music.
While there were reports of chaos at some centres, one of which was in Hadapsar where candidates complained of entry being restricted into the centre. Sources said, the candidates had not carried original identity documents despite given instructions. They had the photocopy of identity documents along with them.
“The gates were closed on time. There were instructions to carry original documents to the centre, so I did not face any problem. There was strict frisking at the centres. The guards were asking to remove any metal object on the body. Many were asked to remove their jackets or sweaters as well,” said a candidate who was at the same centre, on condition of anonymity. The candidates had to report on the centre by 7.30 am and the first shift of the examination started at 9.30 am.
NTA has stated that to avoid any kind of malpractices, they have installed around 40,000 jammers in all the exam centres. About 600 centres have CCTV surveillance and live viewing at a remote location. Furthermore, over 3,000 test practice centres were set up especially for students of rural areas.
