NTA-Sponsored CBT Centres

The National Testing Agency (NTA) sponsors Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres across India to conduct large-scale, high-stakes examinations such as CUET (UG/PG), UGC-NET, CSIR-NET and various recruitment tests. This public disclosure provides transparent information about the establishment, infrastructure, capacity, operations, and compliance status of NEHU’s NTA-sponsored CBT centres at Shillong and Tura.

Centre Head: Vice-Chancellor, NEHU, Shillong 793022
Nodal Officer: Prof. Devendra Kumar Biswal, Department of Zoology, NEHU, Shillong 793022

Centre Managers: Prof. Devendra K Biswal and Dr. Sufal Das, NEHU, Shillong 793022

Establishment & Sponsorship

• Sponsoring Authority: National Testing Agency (NTA), Ministry of Education, Government of India.
• Operationalisation: The centre at NEHU was operationalised pursuant to directives from the Director, NTA (email dated 11 August 2022) and DG, NTA-cum Additional Secretary, DHE, Ministry of Education (email dated 4 September 2022) to facilitate CUET (UG/PG) examinations scheduled in August–September 2022.

Locations & Contact

• Shillong Campus (Primary CBT Facility): NEICOD Building, Centre for Creativity and Internationalisation of Higher Education (CCIHE), Bio-park, NEHU, Umshing-Mawkynroh, Shillong – 793022, Meghalaya, India.
• Tura Campus (Satellite CBT Facility): NEHU, Tura Campus, Chasingre, P.O. Chandmari, Tura – 794002, West Garo Hills, Meghalaya, India.

General University Website: https://nehu.ac.in/

Installed Capacity & Computer Nodes

Campus	Installed Computer Nodes
Shillong (NEICOD/CCIHE)	265
Tura	110
Total	375

Buffer/Scalability: The Shillong centre has a recommended upgrade path to ~1,000 computer systems (+10% buffer) in line with projected examination demand; this would require procurement/commissioning of ~625 additional nodes.

Infrastructure & Facilities (as installed)

Systems & Network

• 64?bit desktops with Intel i5 processors, 8 GB RAM, 1 TB HDD, 19.5" monitors — 375 units across both campuses.
• Standard keyboard, mouse, and NIC; no pre-installed remote desktop/remote boot applications (e.g., NetBoot/NetSuite).
• Single LAN architecture interconnecting all client nodes.
• UPS backup ≥ 3 hours for all systems.
• Broadband connectivity ≥ 4 Mbps per centre with suitable redundancy provisioning.
• CCTV coverage of labs and approaches; biometrics for candidate and staff verification as applicable.
• Dedicated, access-controlled server rooms for exam servers.
• High-end printers provisioned at a ratio supporting ~100 candidates/day for exam documentation.

Premises & Candidate Services

• Segregated frisking area for female candidates; general frisking bays for all candidates.
• Reception/Registration area (1 registration desk per 50 client systems) connected via LAN to servers and labs.
• Waiting area with seating; drinking water available.
• Toilets for men and women adjacent to labs.
• Fire?fighting equipment and First Aid kit on premises.
• Racks/lockers for safe storage of candidate belongings.
• Partitions between client systems to ensure privacy.

Operational Performance (Illustrative Exam List)

The NEHU CBT centres have hosted a wide range of national-level tests since 2022. Notable events include:

• CUET (PG) — Sept 1–12, 2022
• SCI JCA — Sept 26, 2022
• UGC-NET — Sept–Oct 2022; Dec 6–14, 2023; Feb–Mar 2023
• NEIGRIHMS Nursing Officer — Dec 2, 2022; Dec 17–18, 2023
• CAG Recruitment — May 2–8, 2023
• CMAT — May 4, 2023
• NCHM JEE (Hotel Management) — May 13–14, 2023
• Examiner of Patents & Designs (Group?A) — Sept 3, 2023
• CPWD Pan?India Workshop — Oct 18–20, 2023
• CSIR?NET — Dec 26–28, 2023; Jul 25–27, 2024; Aug 21–Sept 2, 2024; Feb 2025
• CUET?PG — Mar 2024; Mar 2025
• CUET?UG — May 22–24, 2024
• NARMADA?CBT (CEAT) — Jun 12, 2024
• CDAC Recruitment — Apr 2025
• GAT?B, NCERT — Apr 2025
• CUET (UG) 2025- 13th may 2025-June 12, 2025
• MMSRB Recruitment Examination, Govt . of Meghalaya (30th August, 2025)

Governance, Compliance & Candidate Protection

• Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs): The centres operate in alignment with NTA bulletins/CBT guidelines for CUET and other exams (e.g., candidate reporting times, frisking, prohibited items, test-day workflows), including strict gate-closing and identification protocols.
• Security & Integrity: Continuous CCTV, biometric checks, frisking, and access control are enforced. Exam servers and networks are segregated and supervised.
• Data Protection: Candidate data is handled per NTA requirements and used only for authorised examination purposes.
• Health & Safety: First-aid availability; adherence to fire and electrical safety norms.

Continuous Improvement & Planned Upgrades

• To meet rising demand and enhance resilience, NEHU Shillong centre has proposed scaling to ~1,000 client systems (with a 10% buffer). This entails procurement of ~625 additional nodes, network and power upgrades, and expanded registration/seating capacity while maintaining compliance with NTA specifications.

Grievance Redressal & Queries

• For exam-specific grievances (admit card, city intimation, answer keys, results), candidates must use the NTA Helpdesks/Query Redressal Systems indicated in the respective Information Bulletins.
• For venue-related queries specific to NEHU centres (approach, facilities, special assistance at venue), candidates may contact NEHU via the official Contact Us page and campus directories.