DU, JNU, BHU Admissions – Common Aptitude Test from 2023

In line with the New Education Policy (NEP 2020), the Centre is planning to implement a “high quality aptitude test” for admissions into Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, and other central universities from the academic session 2021-22. In order to do so effectively, the government has set up a seven-member committee which will recommend modalities and methods of implementation of this computer-based Common Aptitude Test for admission to UG programmes in Central universities. 

This decision is intended to reduce the dependency of students and universities on Class 12 board exams. Moreover, ‘a single common test for all’ will create a level-playing field for students giving examinations under various (30+) boards in India (state, private and central). As per the MoE (Ministry of Education) officials, this move will give the universities a chance to enroll students with aptitude for their chosen course and eliminate the need to conduct multiple entrance tests.

Common Entrance Test for Central Universities – What we know so far?

1. Amit Khare, Higher Education Secretary has said that the “common entrance test will be mandatory for admission to all Central universities from 2021-22 session.”
2. This Common Aptitude Test will be computer-based.
3. This test will be conducted by the NTA (National Testing Agency).
4. The Common Aptitude Test will assess the candidates’ general as well as subject-specific capabilities. 
5. Verbal, quantitative, logic and reasoning questions are expected to be a part of the test (apart from the subject specific questions based on the undergraduate programmes candidates apply for). 
6. Proposals for conducting the test twice a year were part of the initial recommendations for the Common Aptitude Test. However, for the 2021-22 session, the test is planned to be conducted just once. 
7. UGC Chairperson professor DP Singh has stated that the seven-member committee is expected to submit its recommendations within a month. 
8. The seven-member committee shall be headed by Prof. RP Tiwari, Vice Chancellor of Central University of Punjab, Bathinda. Other members will include the Director General of NTA, Joint Secretary (central universities) of the MoE, besides vice chancellors of Delhi University, Banaras Hindu University, Central University of South Bihar, and Central University of Mizoram.