Thousands of aspiring medical students across Mumbai faced a major setback on Thursday as a technical glitch in the state's admission portal prevented them from submitting their applications, just hours before the crucial deadline.
Portal Failure at Critical Moment
The Maharashtra Common Entrance Test (CET) cell's online admission portal experienced widespread technical failures, leaving students stranded and frustrated. The system, which was supposed to facilitate admissions to health science courses including MBBS, BDS, and other paramedical programs, became inaccessible to numerous applicants.
"I've been trying to submit my application since morning, but the portal keeps showing errors," said Anjali Sharma, a NEET UG qualifier. "This is our future at stake, and technical issues shouldn't become a barrier to our medical dreams."
Last-Minute Chaos and Student Protests
As the 5 PM deadline approached on Thursday, panic spread among students and parents. Many who had completed all formalities found themselves unable to complete the final submission step due to the portal malfunction.
- Students reported repeated error messages during payment processing
- Application forms failed to submit despite multiple attempts
- Helpline numbers remained busy or unresponsive
- Frustrated students gathered outside CET cell offices demanding immediate resolution
Official Response and Demands for Extension
While CET cell officials acknowledged the technical issues, they remained tight-lipped about whether the application deadline would be extended. Student representatives and political leaders have joined the chorus demanding an immediate extension to compensate for the lost time.
"This is not just an inconvenience; it's a violation of students' rights," stated education activist Prof. Rajesh Kumar. "The authorities must extend the deadline and ensure no student suffers due to technical failures beyond their control."
Broader Implications for Medical Education
The incident highlights the growing dependence on digital systems for critical admission processes and raises questions about backup mechanisms during technical failures. With medical seats being highly competitive and limited in number, every minute of application time becomes crucial for aspiring doctors.
As the medical education community watches closely, all eyes are on the CET cell's next move – whether they will provide the much-needed extension or leave thousands of dreams hanging in the balance due to a technical oversight.
