In a significant development amid rising military tensions between India and Pakistan, the Consortium of Medical, Engineering and Dental Colleges of Karnataka (COMEDK) has announced the postponement of the Undergraduate Common Entrance Test (UGET) 2025 in select cities. This decision affects 14 districts where educational institutions have been ordered to close under the directives of the Indian government’s 'Operation Sindoor'.
The exam, originally scheduled for May 10, 2025, will still proceed as planned in other locations across India. The affected cities include Jamnagar in Gujarat, Srinagar and Jammu in Jammu and Kashmir, and several districts in Punjab and Rajasthan, including Ludhiana, Bathinda, Jalandhar, Mohali, Patiala, Amritsar, Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Sriganganagar.
According to the official notice from COMEDK, candidates from the affected centers have been reassured not to panic. "We wish to inform all students who have been allotted the above centres for the COMEDK UGET 2025/Uni-GAUGE E 2025 exam which is scheduled to be held on 10th May 2025, not to be apprehensive or worried," the consortium stated. A new date for the exam in these centers will be announced on their official website, www.comedk.org.
This year's UGET has attracted a record 131,937 applicants, who will take the exam in three shifts: morning from 8:30 am to 11:30 am, afternoon from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and evening from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The test will cover subjects including mathematics, chemistry, and physics, with a total of 180 multiple-choice questions, 60 from each subject, all conducted in English.
The decision to postpone the exam in certain areas comes after numerous students expressed their concerns regarding the safety and feasibility of taking the exam amidst escalating geopolitical tensions. Many students reached out to the authorities, voicing their anxiety and requesting a postponement. Nishtha, a COMEDK aspirant, articulated the sentiments of many, stating, "In such a sensitive time, holding the exam as per the original schedule feels unreasonable. We’re not asking for special treatment — just a fair chance to perform well without national-level uncertainty looming over us."
Another candidate, Vidhisha, echoed these sentiments, saying, "Many candidates, including myself, are facing mental stress, logistical challenges, and safety issues due to the escalating tensions. In such extraordinary circumstances, holding the exam as per the original schedule would not only be unfair but could also put the well-being of thousands of students and their families at risk."
Priyansh, another candidate, shared his worries about the emotional toll this situation has created. "With the rising uncertainty and escalating situation between India and Pakistan, students across the country, especially those preparing for critical exams like COMEDK UGET 2025, are gripped with fear, anxiety, and confusion. At a time when the focus should be on studies, many of us are unable to concentrate, unsure about safety, and emotionally unsettled," he said.
The UGET 2025 is a crucial examination for students seeking admission into engineering programs at private colleges in Karnataka, making the timing of the exam particularly sensitive. The postponement reflects the administration's responsiveness to the concerns of students and the broader context of national security.
As the situation continues to develop, students are encouraged to stay updated through the COMEDK website for any further announcements regarding the new exam dates and additional instructions. The consortium has emphasized their commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all candidates during this period of uncertainty.
In conclusion, while the postponement of the COMEDK UGET 2025 exam in certain districts is a necessary precaution in light of national security concerns, it also highlights the profound impact of geopolitical tensions on educational processes. Students are left grappling with anxiety about their future, but the assurance of a rescheduled date offers a glimmer of hope amid the chaos.
