Gujarat Education Board Extends GujCET Exam Duration for Divyang Students
The Gujarat Secondary and Higher Secondary Education Board (GSHSEB) has implemented a significant policy change for the Gujarat Common Entrance Test (GujCET) this year, extending the overall exam duration to accommodate differently abled students. Following a precedent already established for board examinations, divyang candidates will now receive additional time to complete their papers, creating a more inclusive testing environment.
Extended Exam Schedule and Time Allocations
In a departure from previous years when GujCET was conducted from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the examination will now commence at 9:30 AM and conclude at 5:05 PM. This extension accommodates the additional time provided to students requiring assistance.
The time allocation breakdown is as follows:
- For the combined physics and chemistry paper in the first session, divyang students will receive an extra 40 minutes beyond the standard duration.
- For subsequent biology and mathematics papers, an additional 20 minutes will be provided for each subject.
This translates to divyang students receiving 20 extra minutes per one-hour paper, consistent with the policy already implemented for Gujarat board examinations. The overall schedule adjustment ensures all students can complete their tests without time-related disadvantages.
Diverse Candidate Participation in GujCET 2026
The extended exam duration comes as GujCET 2026 witnesses remarkable diversity in its candidate pool. With a total registration of 1,35,875 students, the examination demonstrates broad educational representation across multiple boards and regions.
The registration breakdown reveals:
- The Gujarat Board contributes the majority of candidates with 1,15,050 registered students.
- Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) follows with 18,769 registrations.
- Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) accounts for 729 candidates.
- Smaller representations come from educational boards in Maharashtra, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
Notably, GujCET 2026 has attracted international attention with 12 students from outside India registering for the examination. This marks a significant milestone in the test's growing recognition beyond national boundaries, positioning it as an increasingly prominent entrance examination in the region.
Equity and Accessibility in Educational Assessment
The GSHSEB's decision to extend exam duration represents a progressive step toward educational equity. By providing additional time to differently abled students, the board acknowledges varying learning needs and creates conditions where academic performance can be measured more accurately without time constraints disproportionately affecting certain candidates.
This policy aligns with broader educational trends toward inclusive assessment practices while maintaining the academic rigor necessary for competitive entrance examinations. The extended schedule has been carefully planned to ensure smooth administration while accommodating the needs of all test-takers.
As GujCET continues to evolve with these accessibility measures, its growing candidate diversity—from multiple educational boards and now international participants—underscores its expanding relevance in the educational landscape of Gujarat and beyond.
