New Delhi, June 27: Concerns surrounding the CUET-UG 2026 evaluation process have intensified after several candidates questioned significant differences between their expected marks and the final scores released by the National Testing Agency (NTA). The issue has triggered widespread discussion among students, parents and education experts during the ongoing university admission season.
Many candidates have claimed that the marks they calculated using the provisional and final answer keys were considerably higher than the scores reflected in the official result. According to several students, the difference in some cases ranged from 40 to 50 marks, prompting them to seek explanations regarding the normalisation methodology.
Students have submitted representations to the NTA requesting greater transparency in the calculation of percentile scores and the application of statistical normalisation across different examination shifts.
Education specialists explained that CUET is conducted over multiple days and sessions using different question papers. To maintain fairness, a normalisation formula is applied so that candidates from different shifts are assessed on an equal scale if variations in question difficulty exist.
However, experts believe that clearer communication regarding the calculation process would help reduce confusion among candidates during future examination cycles.
The controversy has emerged at a crucial time as central, state and participating universities have already begun their undergraduate admission procedures based on CUET scores.
Despite the concerns, education authorities have encouraged students to continue participating in the counselling and admission process while awaiting any further clarification from the examination agency.
The National Testing Agency had earlier declared the CUET-UG 2026 results after conducting the examination in computer-based mode across the country. More than 11.6 lakh candidates appeared for the entrance examination, which serves as the gateway for admissions to over 250 universities.
Academic experts said the examination has significantly streamlined undergraduate admissions by introducing a common national entrance test, but maintaining confidence in the evaluation system remains equally important.
Several educationists have suggested publishing additional technical information explaining how percentile scores are derived so that students can better understand the outcome of the examination.
As universities proceed with counselling and seat allocation, students are being advised to rely only on official announcements and avoid misinformation circulating on social media regarding score revisions or admission procedures.
The ongoing discussion over normalisation is expected to shape future improvements in the conduct of India’s largest undergraduate entrance examination, with stakeholders seeking a balance between fairness, transparency and efficiency in the admission process.