UGC NET December 2024 Exam Dates: The National Testing Agency (NTA) is scheduled to conduct the UGC NET 2024 December cycle exams from January 3 to 16, 2025. However, concerns have been raised about the exams to be held on January 15 and 16, coinciding with the Pongal festival in Tamil Nadu. DMK MP Kanimozhi Karunanidhi asked Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan to reschedule the exam due to his insensitivity to the cultural traditions of Tamil Nadu.
UGC NET December 2024 Exam Schedule Revised: MP Kanimozhi’s appeal
In his letter shared on Platform X, Kanimozhi strongly criticized the overlapping exam schedule with Pongal. She wrote:
“I have written to the Union Education Minister, asking for an immediate change in the date of the UGC NET exam, which is scheduled for Pongal day, January 15 and 16… This shows complete insensitivity to the sentiments of Tamil Nadu.”
Pongal 2025: When and why is it celebrated?
Pongal, celebrated from January 13 to 16, is a harvest festival in Tamil Nadu. It consists of four days: Bhogi Pongal, Thai Pongal, Mattu Pongal, and Kanum Pongal, each with a distinct significance. In northern India, the festival is celebrated as Makar Sankranti, marking the northward journey of the sun according to the Hindu calendar.
Which UGC NET exam is scheduled for January 15 and 16?
The following UGC NET exams are scheduled for January 15 and 16, 2025, raising concerns among candidates in Tamil Nadu celebrating Pongal: