The computer-based common entrance assessment to be carried out by the National Testing Agency (NTA) will be required for all central universities to be admitted. The government has set up a seven-member committee to suggest 'high quality aptitude test' modalities for admission to undergraduate programmes of central universities that will come into force from the 2021-22 academic session in a bid to end the tyranny of cut-off marks based on Class XII Board exams for college admissions.  

The computer-based common entrance exam “This is going to be implemented from the 2021-22 session for the central universities.” Amit Khare, secretary, higher education, said. There will be a general test as well as subject-specific tests. UGC chairperson professor D P Singh said the committee is expected to submit its recommendations within a month. Officials of the Ministry of Education (MoE) said it would give an opportunity to universities to enroll aspirants with 'aptitude' for a course and also eliminate the need to appear in multiple admission and entrance exams.

For example, at present any unreserved candidate with even 90 percent in the ‘best of four’ Class XII Board papers cannot secure a seat in the commerce stream in most of Delhi University colleges. But even a candidate with 60 percent will be able to sit for the common entrance exam and possibly qualify for admissions. Moreover, difference in evaluation scheme of various Boards has been a concern for UG admissions. Typically higher scoring science stream students edge out aspirants in social science subjects on the basis of Class XII board marks.

According to MoE sources, 2020 envisaged that NTA “will work to offer a high-quality common aptitude test, as well as specialized common subject exams in the sciences, humanities, languages, arts, and vocational subjects, at least twice every year. These exams shall test conceptual understanding. Students will be able to choose the subjects for taking the test, and each university will be able to see each student’s individual subject portfolio and admit students into their programmes based on individual interests and talents”.

While the policy speaks of offering the exam a maximum of two times in a year, Khare said it would be conducted only once for the 2021-22 session. The seven-member committee will be chaired by Professor R P Tiwari, vice-chancellor of Central University of Punjab, Bathinda. The other members include VCs of DU, Central University of South Bihar, Central University of Mizoram and Banaras Hindu University, along with director general of NTA and joint secretary (central universities) of MoE. As per UGC, as of June 2020, there are 54 central universities.