Itanagar, May 7: Chief Minister Pema Khandu has formally taken up with Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan the issue relating to allotment of examination centres for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) 2026 outside Arunachal Pradesh.
In a letter addressed to the Union Minister, Khandu expressed serious concern over reports that a large number of students from Arunachal Pradesh have been allotted examination centres in other states, often at distant locations, causing inconvenience and hardship to candidates and their families.
Highlighting the state's unique geographical challenges, he pointed out that difficult terrain, limited connectivity and inadequate transport infrastructure make long-distance travel extremely challenging for students appearing in national-level examinations.
The Chief Minister stated that such circumstances impose financial burdens on families and adversely affect the mental and physical well-being of students, potentially impacting their examination performance.
Khandu urged the Union Minister to reconsider the allocation of examination centres and ensure that adequate CUET centres are established within Arunachal Pradesh or at nearby accessible locations so that students can appear for the examination without undue hardship.
Reaffirming the state government’s commitment to supporting national examinations, the Chief Minister informed that Arunachal Pradesh had recently conducted the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test [NEET (UG)-2026] smoothly at multiple locations across the state.
He assured that the state government is fully prepared to extend all necessary logistical support to the National Testing Agency for conducting CUET at convenient locations within Arunachal Pradesh.
Khandu also noted that the matter had already been pursued at different levels by the state government. He said that Education Minister P D Sona had earlier written to the Ministry of Education requesting the inclusion of Pasighat, Bomdila, Tezu and Aalo as additional CUET centres.
He further stated that the issue has also been actively followed up by Education Commissioner Amjad Tak with the concerned authorities.
Emphasizing the importance of equitable access to higher education opportunities, Khandu appealed for compassionate and pragmatic intervention from the Union Ministry in the larger interest of students from the state.
“The state government remains committed to ensuring that students from the state receive equal opportunities and necessary support in accessing national-level educational platforms and competitive examinations,” the Chief Minister added.