Dr. Eureka Lyngdoh, Principal of Sankardev College, emphasized the importance of preparation in implementing new educational policies, reflecting on the state’s experience with the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). Dr. Lyngdoh remarked that had Meghalaya prepared in advance for the CUET’s implementation two years ago, the state would not have faced the challenges it did on Saturday.”We, as principals of various colleges, need adequate time to implement any new initiative,” Dr. Lyngdoh stated. She also mentioned that college principals had urged the National Testing Agency (NTA) to ensure proper infrastructure, including digital facilities, for the CUET.
In a significant development, Meghalaya has been granted an exemption from the CUET for the academic year 2024-25. This decision was confirmed through a letter from the Ministry of Education, stating that the University Grants Commission (UGC) had agreed to allow admissions to affiliated colleges of the North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) as per existing practices. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma expressed his gratitude to Union Minister of Education Dharmendra Pradhan for approving the state’s request for exemption. “The Government of India has exempted Meghalaya from the CUET, which will greatly benefit our students,” Sangma said. He also conveyed optimism that by next year, most of the state’s colleges would be affiliated with the state’s university, rendering the CUET unnecessary.
The exemption follows a meeting between the Voice of People Party (VPP) and State Education Minister Rakkam A. Sangma, where the issue was thoroughly discussed. This exemption is seen as a positive step, supporting the academic aspirations of students in Meghalaya.