ANXIOUS WAIT: Plus-Two students making last-minute preparations for examinations. — File photo

CHENNAI: With the Supreme Court posting the State Government's special leave petition (SLP) to April 13, the anxious wait for Plus-Two students seeking admission to professional colleges continues.

Legal and academic sources say even if the apex court gives a ruling that day, a Common Entrance Test cannot be held before the end of May, unless the Government changes its mind. They point out that no stay has been granted on the High Court order.

State Board students who have completed their Plus-Two examinations are anxious to know the dates of the Tamil Nadu Professional Courses Entrance Examination (TNPCEE), and whether they have to take it. The law passed by the State Government had exempted the State Board students from taking the test, but the High Court struck it down and ruled it must be held for students of all streams. The Government then filed the SLP before the Supreme Court.

The delay is posing a serious challenge to students. If the apex court turns down the Government's plea, they will have to take the test. They will need to prepare afresh and that too rather late in the day. Normally, the TNPCEE is held in mid-April, soon after the Plus-Two examinations.

Academics and lawyers suggest that the State Government can still avoid further delay by launching the preparations for the TNPCEE with a caveat that if the Supreme Court upholds the Government stand, State Board students will be exempted from appearing for the examination. At least applications can be issued, received back and processed.

But Education officials remain tight-lipped. "It is for the Government and the Chief Minister to decide. When a decision is taken, we will swing into action at once," is all that a senior official would say.

Anna University sources only reiterate that it will require "at least six weeks" to prepare for and conduct the TNPCEE. At the moment, they do not even know if the university will be entrusted with the responsibility of conducting the TNPCEE this year. They have heard rumours that a Government agency (Directorate) may be given the task this time, especially if the CET is restricted to students from other streams. But they say the university's apparatus is ready to start the process anytime.

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