The Tamil Nadu government has appealed to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to reschedule the UGC-NET December 2024 examination due to the overlapping of the exam schedule with the state’s grand harvest festival, Pongal, celebrated from January 14 to January 16, 2025.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) has scheduled the UGC-NET exam for January 3 to January 16, 2025, across various cities in India, with tests being conducted for 85 subjects in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.
Tamil Nadu’s Appeal: Key Highlights
- Pongal’s Cultural Significance
Tamil Nadu’s Higher Education Minister Govi Chezhiaan emphasized that Pongal is more than just a festival; it is an emblem of Tamil culture and heritage, dating back over 3,000 years. The government has already declared January 14 to January 16 as official holidays to honor the festivities, which include:- Pongal Day (January 14)
- Thiruvalluvar Day/Mattu Pongal (January 15)
- Farmers Day (Uzhavar Thirunal/Kanum Pongal, January 16)
- Impact on Students
The minister expressed concerns that conducting the UGC-NET exam during these holidays would disrupt students’ preparations and participation, as the festival requires significant family and community involvement. - Request to Reschedule
Chezhiaan has requested the Union Education Minister to reschedule the exam to dates beyond Pongal, ensuring that students from Tamil Nadu and other states celebrating harvest festivals can participate without conflicts.
Precedent for Rescheduling: CA Foundation Exam
The minister also noted that the Chartered Accountants Foundation Examination for January 2025 was rescheduled in response to a similar request by Tamil Nadu’s representatives. This precedent reinforces the possibility of accommodating cultural considerations for national examinations.
UGC-NET December 2024: Exam Details
| Event | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | UGC-NET December 2024 |
| Organizing Body | National Testing Agency (NTA) |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Subjects Covered | 85 subjects |
| Exam Dates | January 3 to January 16, 2025 |
| Shifts | First: 9 AM–12 PM, Second: 3 PM–6 PM |
The NTA clarified that the notification regarding the exam schedule is not the admit card but an advance notice for city allocation to help candidates plan their travel and stay.
Why is Pongal Important?
Pongal is a harvest festival deeply rooted in Tamil Nadu’s traditions. Celebrated with family and community, it includes:
- Special rituals: Cooking Pongal (a sweet dish made of rice and jaggery) as an offering.
- Celebration of livestock: Recognizing their contribution to agriculture during Mattu Pongal.
- Acknowledging farmers: Honoring their efforts on Uzhavar Thirunal (Farmers Day).
Conducting an examination during these dates could cause undue stress to students who are expected to balance academic responsibilities with cultural obligations.
FAQs
When will the UGC-NET December 2024 exams be conducted?
The exams are scheduled from January 3 to January 16, 2025, in two shifts each day.
Why has Tamil Nadu requested a rescheduling of the exam?
The Tamil Nadu government highlighted that the exam overlaps with Pongal, a major harvest festival, and could disrupt students’ preparations and participation.
Which subjects are covered in the UGC-NET December 2024 exam?
The UGC-NET December 2024 exam will be conducted for 85 subjects across various cities in India.
What is the format of the UGC-NET December 2024 exam?
The exam will be conducted in Computer Based Test (CBT) mode.
Has any exam been rescheduled before due to Pongal?
Yes, the CA Foundation Examination for January 2025 was rescheduled in response to a similar request.
What does the NTA’s latest notification include?
The notification provides advance information about the city allocation for the examination center. It is not the admit card.
How can candidates plan for the UGC-NET exam?
Candidates should check the city allocation notification on the official website and make necessary travel and accommodation arrangements.
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