Today : May 09, 2025
Education
09 May 2025

COMEDK 2025 Exam Postponed Amid Rising Tensions

Students express concerns over safety and preparation disruptions as exam is rescheduled in select cities.

The COMEDK Under Graduate Entrance Test 2025, originally scheduled for May 10, has been postponed in select cities due to directives issued by the Indian government as part of Operation ‘Sindoor’. The affected cities include Jamnagar, Jammu, Srinagar, Ludhiana, Bathinda, Jalandhar, Mohali, Patiala, Amritsar, Jodhpur, Bikaner, and Sriganganagar. Approximately 3,000 students were expected to take the exams in these centres.

In light of the situation, educational institutions in these cities have been directed to close. The revised dates for the exams in the affected cities will be announced later, according to a press release from COMEDK. Dr. S Kumar, the secretary of COMEDK, reassured candidates, saying, “Candidates assigned to centers in these cities are advised not to panic. All candidates are requested to regularly check the official website www.comedk.org and www.unigauge.com for further updates and instructions.”

He further emphasized, “We have sent individual communication to all students regarding the postponement. We have advised them not to panic and will hold the exam on an alternate day whenever the government permits.”

Despite the postponement in certain cities, the examination will proceed as scheduled for all other candidates in different cities on May 10, 2025, at the time slots mentioned in their Test Admission Tickets. Around 1.31 lakh students are expected to appear for the COMEDK (Consortium of Medical, Dental and Engineering Colleges of Karnataka) entrance exam, which is crucial for securing admission to engineering programmes at private colleges in Karnataka and select pan-India member universities.

This year, the exam will be conducted in 28 states, across 179 cities, and 248 test centres, divided into three sessions: morning from 8:30 am to 11:30 am, afternoon from 1 pm to 4 pm, and evening from 5:30 pm to 8:30 pm. The number of registered candidates for this year stands at 131,937.

As tensions escalate between India and Pakistan, many students have expressed concerns about sitting for the exam amid rising geopolitical tensions. Some candidates have reached out to news outlets, voicing their fears and urging authorities to reconsider the exam schedule. Nishtha, a COMEDK aspirant, stated, “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 aspirant, Vidhisha, shared her perspective, 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. I earnestly and urgently request the COMEDK authorities to postpone the examination until the situation stabilises.”

Priyansh, another student, echoed these sentiments, commenting on the emotional toll the situation is having on students: “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.”

As of now, COMEDK authorities have not issued any statement regarding a potential schedule change for the exam, which is critical for students aiming to secure a place in engineering programs. The students' concerns highlight the intersection of education and national issues, raising questions about the timing and location of exams during sensitive geopolitical moments.

For students who are still set to take the exam, the COMEDK has provided guidelines to ensure a smooth process. They must report to their respective exam centres with their admit card and a government-issued photo ID. The examination will consist of 180 multiple-choice questions covering three subjects: Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Each subject will comprise 60 questions, and the medium of the exam will be English.

With the exam fast approaching, students are encouraged to stay informed through the official COMEDK website and utilize the helpdesk for any queries. Candidates can reach out to the COMEDK helpdesk at 080-46671060 or via email at [email protected].

The ongoing situation serves as a reminder of the challenges students face, not just academically but also in navigating the complexities of a world where education and international relations intersect. As the May 10 exam date approaches, many will be hoping for clarity and support from the authorities, ensuring that their educational pursuits can continue unimpeded by external circumstances.