CUCET 2020: Exam Analysis and Student Reaction

Check out the CUCET 2020 exam analysis and student reactions on the national-level entrance exam being conducted amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Central Universities Common Entrance Test (CUCET) commenced from September 18, 2020, onwards and the national level entrance exam was conducted in two shifts i.e. morning shift and afternoon shift. Amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, many students felt unsafe travelling to the exam centres, given the alarmingly rising COVID-19 cases in India. However, despite the odds, candidates had to appear for the entrance exam in order to get admission to either of the central universities in the nation. For the 2020-21 academic year, the Central University of Rajasthan is conducting the CUCET exam.

CUCET will be conducted in offline mode for Undergraduate (UG) and Postgraduate (PG) courses, i.e. OMR sheets will be provided and candidates will have to mark their answers will a ball-point pen. For Research Programmes, the entrance exam will be done through a Computer Based Test (CBT). The exam duration is 2 hours and the exam format will be in Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs), for all programmes.

Many students raised their voices on social media for being unable to appear for the CUCET exam amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the officials have ensured that all necessary precautions will be taken and strict social distancing will be followed at the allotted exam centres. Strict measures were taken from the entry to the centre to the seating. Students stated that facilities were provided such as hand sanitizers were placed all over, there were signs placed to maintain social distancing and every room was sanitized properly.

CUCET Student Reaction

Shiksha got reactions from students who appeared for the CUCET 2020 exam on September 18 and 19. Shiksha contacted students online who appeared for CUCET 2020 and asked their opinion on this year’s entrance exam, on whether they faced any trouble in travelling, how the question paper was for the course they appeared for and their view on appearing for the entrance exam admit the COVID-19 pandemic.

Anand Sharma: Hello, my name is Anand and I am from Gorakhpur and I appeared for BSc Mathematics paper. The question paper was a bit tough and I had to do a lot of calculations. But I was nervous to appear for the exam as the cases are now rising. It is scary as we are not putting our lives in danger but our family’s as well. I had to travel by cab and that was also expensive. I managed to finish the paper on time and completed all the questions.

Jai Kishan: Hello my name is Jai and I am from Jaipur. I appeared for BTech CUCET exam in Ajmer. I had to travel for the paper and it was not easy. I was scared to appear for the CUCET exam as the cases are rising. My family told me not to go but I have to concentrate on my future as well. The paper was challenging but I managed to complete the question paper on time.

Farooq: Hello my name is Farooq and I am from Jammu. I appeared for integrated MSc in Botany. The paper was fine, wasn’t easy but I finished the paper on time. The questions asked were a bit twisted but I managed to understand them. There was social distancing at the exam centre, in fact, few students did not appear for the paper at the centre and there was a less crowd, which was better for us. I felt that the exam should happen because if not now, then when? The year is almost ending and we are giving the exam now. I’m happy that I was able to give the paper as I was preparing for a long time.

Lakshay: Hello my name is Lakshay and I appeared for the Integrated MSc in Physics in Ajmer. I live in Ajmer so I did not have much trouble, but many students who appeared here were from other states. The paper was moderate, I have been studying since the start of the lockdown and I think it has come of use. There was social distancing followed and there were hand sanitizers everywhere. Even in the room, we had to sit six feet apart from all sides. I am confident about the paper and hope to clear the exam.

CUCET Exam Analysis

According to students who appeared for the CUCET 2020 exam on September 18 and 19, felt that the questions asked were from moderate to difficult. The questions asked were mostly from Class 10 and 12 NCERT books, from what is taught in graduation. A few students claimed that the questions were twisted and presented, but they understood what answer had to be marked. Candidates had to complete 100 questions within two hours. There is negative marking which sees .25 marks being deducted. However, candidates managed to finish the paper on time and felt that MCQs is a better option as it is time-saving and less effort is required.

CUCET Exam Timings

Aspirants were advised to reach the exam centre one hour before the entrance exam commences so that there is no overcrowding and the security check can go off smoothly. The candidates had to carry their CUCET admit card, authorized government ID, their own hand sanitizers and masks. Here are the timings for the three days.

CUCET Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

The CUCET exam pattern is as such that for UG and PG courses, the entrance exam will be conducted in offline mode i.e. pen and paper test, for RP courses, the exam will be in online mode i.e. Computer Based Test (CBT). The candidate has to mark the answers on the OMR sheet (for UG and PG courses). The exam duration for all programmes is 2 hours. The medium of the paper is in English and a total of 100 questions were asked. There were two parts of the paper.

Part A – This part had 25 questions which consisted of questions on subjects such as English Language, General Knowledge, Mathematical Aptitude and Analytical Skills.

Part B – This part had 75 questions which were based on the domain knowledge on the subject. There were about 3 to 5 sections in this part, depending on the course appearing for. Candidates had to do three sections which contained 25 questions per section.

Marking Scheme – A total of 100 questions were asked in the question paper, and total marks is 100. Negative marking will be done for UG and PG courses. A total of .25 marks will be deducted per wrong answer attempted. For RP courses, there is no negative marking.

Read More:

• CUCET 2020 Exam Day Guidelines and COVID-19 Safety Instructions
• CUCET 2020 Admit Card Released Online on September 9! Check Details Here
• How to Prepare for CUCET in 1 Month: Prep Tips and Guide