Irrespective of the outcome of the State bifurcation issue, students aspiring for engineering and medical courses from both regions have to appear for the same Engineering Agriculture and Medical Common Entrance Test (Eamcet) for the next couple of years – at least.
The Group of Ministers (GoM) is believed to have suggested that the Common Entrance Tests (CETs), and the present admission policy, continue for not more than five years for the two States. However, officials are looking at continuing the existing mode for two years for all CETs, including Eamcet. A meeting next week will finalise dates of the CETs.
Popular still
Officials say Eamcet will continue to generate interest among students, despite the large number of seats available for engineering. The few seats available for medicine will attract intense competition.
“Students and parents are emotionally attached to Eamcet, irrespective of the bifurcation issue,” an official said, citing enquiries that have already begun pouring in about the test pattern and dates.
With a new team at the helm of affairs at the APSCHE, the nodal agency for higher education in the State, it will be interesting to see who would be entrusted with the responsibility of conducting Eamcet.
JNTU again?
Higher education officials say JNTU Hyderabad, which has been conducting the test for the last few years, is likely to be chosen again, given the sensitivity of the issue. They feel Telangana activists will make a hue and cry if it is given to any other university in the Seemandhra region.
“In these times of bifurcation, we have to depend on expertise, and conduct the exam without any controversies as even a small issue may lead to bigger problems,” an official said.
Since Hyderabad will be the common capital, it will be all the more ‘safe’ to choose a university in the capital. OU may be ruled out for various reasons, including administrative issues.
“JNTU-H has the expertise, an established system and a track record of conducting error-free exams over the last three years,” a senior official pointed out.
Generally, notification is issued in February for the test to be conducted in May. The dates of the exam are also linked to various other State CETs and the JEE for IITs as large number of State students also appear for them. Officials are also praying for an end to political uncertainty for the schedule to be on track or fear for admissions getting inordinately delayed next year too.
