National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) the common entrance exam for medical and dental colleges was introduced last year. It has garnered much flak from the classes and the masses who feel it give less chances for the child to find a seat in a desired college. Whether the government was compelled by this reason or some other, the news is that CEET–the single entrance test for engineering courses across the country won’t be held till states reach a consensus.
‘State Consensus Required’
Regulator for technical education in the country, All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE), had in March announced
that a national-level common entrance examination for engineering colleges would be conducted from 2018. But the move has been opposed by the West Bengal and Tamil Nadu governments.
“It is important to have consensus on the introduction of a common exam. So the plan has been put on hold for now,” an official said on condition of anonymity. Referring to a move to introduce uniform counselling methods across India, the same official added, “The common counselling provisions also need to be discussed with the states.”
Engineering Entrance–The Figures
Taking a cue from the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET), the HRD Ministry had initiated the move for a common test for admission to engineering courses as well. The Central Board of Secondary Education conducts the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE)-Mains for admission to engineering courses. Over 11 lakh students appear for the exam every year.
A number of states conduct their own tests, while some colleges grant admission based on marks. Several private colleges conduct own entrance examinations. There are over 3,300 approved engineering colleges in the country affiliated to universities, with an annual enrolment of around 16 lakh students.
