CUET Joins UPSC, NEET, and JEE as a Serious Career Path for Small Town Students

CUET Joins UPSC, NEET, and JEE as a Serious Career Path for Small Town Students

Chandigarh 29 July ( Ranjeet Singh Dhaliwal ) : Small-town India is witnessing a major shift in how students approach their careers. While UPSC, NEET, and JEE remain prominent, CUET (Common University Entrance Test) has quickly emerged as a popular and strategic choice among students from tier-2 and tier-3 cities. Neeraj Kansal, CEO & Founder of Crack Academy, observes that “students today are more aware and practical. CUET has opened the doors to premier institutions like DU, BHU and JNU without the intense pressure and cost associated with traditional exams like NEET or JEE. It’s not a fallback anymore it’s a wise first choice for many.” The appeal of civil services remains intact but with a more structured and balanced approach. Aspirants are now preparing for UPSC alongside college or jobs unlike the earlier ‘all-or-nothing’ mindset. NEET and JEE too continue to be aspirational but students are also exploring parallel skills like coding and design to expand opportunities. Another key trend is the rise of hybrid learning in small towns. Coaching hubs are growing supported by online tools like YouTube lectures, Telegram groups and digital test series. This blend of offline and online learning is making preparation more accessible and personalised. Overall students are no longer confined to one-track goals. With increased awareness and access, they are choosing career paths that suit their abilities, interests and circumstances. Whether it's CUET, UPSC, NEET or JEE today's youth are redefining success on their own terms.