CSIR UGC NET Candidates Protest at Alwar Centre Over Exam Chaos and Mismanagement

The CSIR UGC NET exam scheduled recently saw unexpected chaos at an exam centre in Alwar, Rajasthan, where several candidates protested due to alleged mismanagement. According to reports, students who had reached the centre well before the exam time were denied entry, leading to confusion, frustration and anger. This incident triggered a large gathering outside

The CSIR UGC NET exam scheduled recently saw unexpected chaos at an exam centre in Alwar, Rajasthan, where several candidates protested due to alleged mismanagement. According to reports, students who had reached the centre well before the exam time were denied entry, leading to confusion, frustration and anger. This incident triggered a large gathering outside the centre where candidates raised slogans demanding justice and a re-exam.

I’m writing about this issue because the CSIR UGC NET exam is not just any regular test—it’s a key national-level eligibility exam for research and lectureship in India. Many candidates spend months preparing for it, and even a small error or miscommunication on exam day can cost them a year. That’s exactly what happened in Alwar. These students were not just protesting for themselves but highlighting a systemic issue that affects thousands across the country. It’s important to understand what went wrong, whether students were really at fault or if the administration mishandled the situation, and what steps the authorities are taking to resolve it.

What Happened at the Alwar Centre?

On the day of the CSIR UGC NET exam, a group of candidates reached the Modern Institute of Technology in Alwar—one of the designated exam centres. However, to their shock, many were told they were late and hence, could not be allowed inside. The candidates claim they reached before the reporting time mentioned on the admit card, yet were denied entry by the officials at the gate.

What followed was sheer panic. Some candidates broke down in tears, others tried to show their admit cards and time proofs, but to no avail. Soon, the situation escalated and turned into a peaceful protest, with students gathering near the entrance and demanding answers.

Key Concerns Raised by the Candidates

Incorrect Entry Timing Implementation: Students said they were following the reporting time printed on their admit cards, but the centre staff enforced different rules.
Lack of Communication: There was no clear signage or announcements explaining what was happening.
No Support from Supervisors: Even when candidates tried reaching out to the exam staff, there was no attempt to resolve the issue on the spot.
Demand for Re-exam: The affected candidates are now requesting the National Testing Agency (NTA) to conduct a retest for those who were wrongly denied entry.

NTA’s Responsibility and Next Steps

The National Testing Agency, which conducts the CSIR UGC NET exam, has not yet issued an official statement regarding the Alwar protest. However, given the seriousness of the situation and the visuals circulating on social media, they are expected to look into the matter.

If the reports are true, then NTA needs to take immediate action:

Conduct a detailed investigation into what caused the confusion at the Alwar centre.
Identify the affected candidates and assess whether they can be offered a re-exam opportunity.
Ensure strict monitoring at future exam centres with proper coordination between officials and students.

Why This Incident Matters

Incidents like these shake public trust in national-level exams. The candidates who lost their attempt at the CSIR UGC NET have not just lost an exam—they may have lost a year, a research fellowship or a shot at a government teaching job. That’s a big loss for any student, especially when it’s due to someone else’s mistake.

This protest at Alwar isn’t just a local news story. It reflects how fragile our exam management system can be, and how urgently we need better coordination, accountability and student-friendly practices in place.

Education and Employment Can Transform Society: Dinesh Gundu Rao Highlights the Way Forward

During a recent public address in Mangaluru, Karnataka’s Health and Family Welfare Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao stressed that education and employment are two powerful tools that can shape the future of any society. He pointed out that when people are educated and have meaningful jobs, they can rise above social divisions, poverty, and other long-standing issues. His statement came while addressing students and faculty at a function organised at Srinivas University, where he also touched on the importance of knowledge-driven growth.

I felt the need to write about this because it’s rare to hear such a strong political focus on the link between education, employment and overall societal transformation. We often hear about schemes, budgets and infrastructure, but rarely is the bigger picture discussed—how these two sectors can change the life of a common person. This topic matters to all of us, especially the youth, who are navigating a fast-changing job market while also dealing with rising academic pressure. By writing about this, I hope more people start thinking seriously about how education is not just about degrees, and employment is not just about money—it’s about dignity, stability and progress.

Why Education and Employment Matter Together

Education and employment are often treated as separate issues, but in reality, they go hand-in-hand. Education gives people the ability to think, create and contribute. Employment gives them the opportunity to apply what they know, support their families, and be part of the economy. According to Dinesh Gundu Rao, these two pillars must be developed together if we want a fairer and more productive society.

He stressed that:

Lack of access to education pushes people into poverty.
Unemployment leads to frustration, crime, and brain drain.
A society that fails to create job-ready youth will always remain unequal.

This is why investing in schools, colleges, and job-oriented courses is not just a policy decision—it’s a moral responsibility.

Government’s Role in Creating Equal Opportunities

During the event, Rao mentioned that governments should focus not only on building schools and colleges but also on ensuring the quality of education. He said students from rural areas often struggle because they don’t have the same access to English-medium teaching or computer labs as those in urban areas. This kind of inequality reflects in the job market too, where rural youth get fewer chances.

He also pointed out that:

Many graduates remain unemployed or underemployed because they are not industry-ready.
There is a big gap between what is taught in classrooms and what the job market demands.
Career counselling and vocational training should start at the school level.

According to him, if we want to see real change, we need long-term thinking and serious government commitment—not just one-time policies or election promises.

Importance of Social Harmony for Progress

One of the key messages Rao delivered was about unity. He said education should be a tool to unite people and not divide them. The minister raised concern about how communalism and polarisation are slowly taking attention away from important issues like job creation and educational reform.

He added that:

When youth are unemployed, they are more vulnerable to divisive ideologies.
Education can help people develop critical thinking and tolerance.
A strong education and employment ecosystem reduces dependence on populist politics.

He urged young people to stay informed, ask questions, and focus on real-life issues rather than distractions.