The Common Entrance Test (CET) is a crucial examination for thousands of MBA aspirants across Maharashtra, faced significant technical issues this year, raising serious concerns about the fairness and smoothness of the process.
Many students reported experiencing a range of technical problems during the exam, impacting their performance and causing considerable anxiety. Some of the most common complaints included:
Mismatch in Marked Options:
Students who marked one option (for example, Option A) found that a different option (such as B or C) was recorded by the system. This mismatch could potentially lead to incorrect evaluation despite students knowing the correct answers.
Incomplete Question Submission:
Several candidates reported that although they had attempted all 200 questions, their system showed only 120 or 150 questions attempted. This discrepancy between actual attempts and recorded responses could severely affect final scores.
Marked Options Disappearing:
In many cases, students realized that answers they had marked simply vanished from the system, appearing blank at the time of final submission. This not only wasted their efforts but also led to confusion and panic.
Login and Access Issues:
Some candidates faced difficulties logging into their examination portals due to server errors. For a few students, this resulted in delayed exam starts, eating into their total available time and affecting their mental readiness.
System Crashes and Time Loss:
At multiple centers, systems crashed mid-exam, forcing candidates to switch computers. This transition resulted in the loss of valuable time — in an already time-sensitive environment — adding unnecessary pressure.
Mocks vs Actual Performance Gap:
Another psychological impact reported by candidates was the stark difference between their mock test performances and the actual CET performance. Technical issues during the exam may have contributed to lower-than-expected scores for many aspirants.
No Action Likely Without Proof
Despite the widespread reports of technical issues, it is unlikely that the CET Cell will initiate any corrective action. The major challenge is the absence of concrete proof — there is no official system recording or audit trail showing mismatched options, login failures, or time losses. Without verifiable evidence, the administration is likely to treat these as isolated complaints rather than systemic issues. As a result, students affected by technical glitches may find it difficult to get any relief or re-evaluation.
Acknowledging the Administration’s Efforts
It must be acknowledged that organizing an exam of this scale — involving over a lakh students across hundreds of centers — is a challenging task. CET Cell and associated authorities have made efforts to streamline the process over the years.
However, technical problems in a high-stakes exam raise legitimate concerns. Aspirants invest months, even years, of preparation, and their careers can be directly affected by technological lapses.
Way Forward
To ensure the credibility and fairness of the CET exam process, it is important that:
Robust System Testing:
Exam software and servers should be rigorously tested before the exam day under simulated high-load conditions.
Technical Backup Plans:
Centers should have quick backup systems ready, ensuring minimal disruption if a machine or server fails.
Clear Guidelines for Students:
In case of technical issues, clear instructions should be available on how lost time or answer discrepancies will be compensated.
Transparency in Communication:
After the exam, transparent updates regarding any known issues, corrective actions, or normalization processes can help reduce student anxiety and restore trust.
Conclusion
While the CET exam aims to select deserving candidates for premier institutes, the integrity of the process must be safeguarded. Ensuring technical stability is not just a logistical requirement — it is a matter of justice for the thousands of hardworking students whose futures depend on it.
It is hoped that the authorities will take feedback seriously and work towards a more robust, glitch-free examination experience in the coming years
