Srinagar : The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association on Thursday urged University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairperson M. Jagadesh Kumar and the National Testing Agency (NTA) to reschedule the UGC NET exam date in view of Eid-ul-Azha on June 18. In a statement, National Convenor of the Association Nasir Khuehami said that the current schedule coincides with the celebration of Eid-ul-Azha, the most important festival of Islam, celebrated across the country on June 17th and 18th, 2024.
He said that hundreds of candidates have approached the association, expressing their deep concern and requesting our intervention to ensure they can observe Eid-ul-Azha with their families without the added stress of an important examination. He asserted that it is essential for all students to have the opportunity to celebrate such an important occasion without any academic pressure.
Khuehami urged the UGC Chairperson, NTA Chairperson, and the Education Ministry to consider the profound significance of Eid-ul-Azha and the impact this overlap may have on Muslim students. Rescheduling the UGC NET examination to a date 2-3 days later will allow all students to participate fully in their religious festivities and approach their exams with a clear and focused mind.
Khuehami said that it is crucial to note that conducting exams on June 18th, which coincides with the second day of Eid-ul-Azha, will impose significant difficulties on students. They will face numerous issues, including the unavailability of transport facilities, making it nearly impossible for many to reach their exam centres. This logistical challenge compounds the emotional and cultural strain of having to choose between their religious obligations and their academic responsibilities.
He urged the National Testing Agency to avoid repeating last year’s ordeal, which caused unnecessary stress for students and their families. Such scheduling conflicts put parents and students through avoidable trouble, which can be resolved with considerate planning.
Considering the contiguous nature of the exam and festival dates, it becomes an impossible task for the candidates to appear for the said exam. Thus, we request the rescheduling of UGC NET examination dates to ensure that students can observe their festival with due respect and peace of mind, he emphasized.
He hoped that the authorities will take immediate and favourable action on this matter, demonstrating sensitivity to the cultural and religious needs of the students.
