AIDSO demands Barak Valley exam centers for Bengali and Environmental Science CUET exams

The Cachar district committee of the All India Democratic Students' Organisation (AIDSO) submitted a memorandum to the chairman of the National Testing Agency (NTA) through the district governor today. The memorandum demands that examination centers for Bengali and Environmental Science subjects under the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) be established in Barak Valley to accommodate local students.

Swagata Bhattacharya, the district president of AIDSO, highlighted the absence of CUET exam centers for Bengali and Environmental Science in Barak Valley. She pointed out that most undergraduate colleges in Assam, approved by Assam University, offer Bengali as a subject. Despite this, the NTA has arranged exam centers outside Barak Valley, in cities such as Guwahati, Tezpur, Jorhat, Shillong, and Aizawl. This decision forces Barak Valley students to travel 400 to 500 kilometers to take their exams, imposing significant financial and logistical burdens.

The financial condition of many parents in Barak Valley is not strong, making it difficult for them to support such long-distance travel for their children’s exams. Bhattacharya warned that this situation could jeopardize the future education of many students who may not be able to afford the journey just to gain college admission.

AIDSO's memorandum stresses the urgent need for local examination centers for Bengali and Environmental Science CUET exams in Barak Valley. Without this provision, a significant number of students may be unable to appear for the exams due to communication and financial difficulties. The organization calls for immediate action from the NTA to prevent educational disparities for Barak Valley students.