National Testing Agency (NTA) under the Union Ministry of Education conducts UGC-NET exam during Pongal festival holidays

The Honorable Union Minister of Education has been urged by the Honorable Minister of Higher Education, Dr. K. Ponmudy, to consider the sentiment of the Tamil Nadu Chief Minister’s request regarding the UGC-NET exam scheduled during the Pongal festival holidays.

The National Testing Agency (NTA) under the Union Ministry of Education has announced that the UGC-NET exam will be held from January 3, 2025, to January 16, 2025.

Highlighting the global Tamil community’s deep cultural connection with the Pongal festival, the Honorable Minister of Higher Education, Dr. K. Ponmudy, stated in his letter that Pongal is celebrated as a significant four-day festival every year, from January 13 to January 16. In 2025, the celebrations include Bhogi on January 13, Pongal (Tamil New Year) on January 14, Mattu Pongal on January 15, and Kaanum Pongal on January 16.

During these four days, Tamils worldwide celebrate Pongal with great enthusiasm. The Tamil Nadu government has already declared holidays from January 14 to January 16, 2025, to honor the festive spirit.

Pongal, which holds a profound cultural and historical significance of over 3,000 years, represents Tamil heritage, unity, and tradition. It is not just a harvest festival but a day of celebration deeply rooted in Tamil culture.

Dr. K. Ponmudy further pointed out that conducting exams during the Pongal holidays might cause inconvenience to students preparing for and attending the UGC-NET exam. The festive days are traditionally a time for family gatherings and celebrations, making it difficult for candidates to focus on exams.

Responding to the request made by MLA Mr. Su. Paingalathasan, Dr. Ponmudy highlighted that the exams scheduled during January 2025 should take into account the cultural significance of Pongal. He emphasized the need to reschedule the UGC-NET exam dates to avoid clashing with the festival holidays.

The Honorable Minister of Higher Education expressed this request to the Honorable Union Minister of Education through an official letter, urging the government to take necessary steps to respect the cultural sentiments of Tamil Nadu and other southern states.