- What are the recent modifications in CET examination 2020?
This year, there will be no separate exam for Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Biology (PCMB). So far, we have been conducting exams in three sections PCM, PCB and PCMB. However, after several discussions and consultations with college representatives, we have dropped PCMB.
If a candidate wants to keep both options (engineering and medical) open, he/she will have to appear for the PCM and PCB exam both and the results of both will be considered separately. Last year, there were several problems related to percentile in PCMB. So after referring to experts, it was unanimously suggested that PCMB can be dropped.
- Any changes likely to be introduced in the admission process in the near future?
We are in-process to computerise the entire system now. At present, the issues are about the free flow of computerisation which has taken place in patches. Hence, we need to join all the patches and go for integration and have a smooth flow of data.
Apart from this, we are also going for the integration of all the data. We are planning to introduce a one-time entry process for the students. It will take all the data from the 12th board registration. This will enable the students to enter their ID number once and we will be able to fetch his/her data, rather than repeating the registration process. The data can be used by the universities as well for their DBT process and other admission processes.
- When will this process be introduced?
It is in the planning stage right now. We are currently experimenting with one of the new exams for Auxiliary Nursing Midwifery (ANM). We are trying to implement this process from registration to approval so that at least there is integration within our body. Within the CET Cell too, we have a lot of fragmentation, which we are trying to streamline.
- Last year, parents raised objection against the percentile system introduced by the cell. Will the cell change it this year or make different provision in order to keep it confusion-free? Or conduct counselling sessions for parents?
The percentile system will be retained. We conduct the examination in batches, therefore, we need a percentile system here. I understand it is difficult for common people to understand it because they are not used to this system. But if you see all other examinations and those held for IIT-JEE and GATE exams 15 or 20 years back too consisted percentile system. We are in fact late to follow it. Slowly, people will get accustomed to it.
We have not planned any counselling sessions for parents, as it is logistically difficult to be conducted. Around seven lakh candidates appear for this exam, so if we consider the number of parents participating in this session will be huge. But we will be uploading videos about percentile system for parents and students online on our website, YouTube channel etc.
- Has ARA given any suggestions for easing the admission process to directorates of technical and medical education?
Last year, it was noticed that the system of printing CGPA on marksheets was an issue. This made the job tedious for students as well as the body because we had to tell them to get their percentage value from their institutions. So this time, we have suggested that all universities provide the percentage of students as well.
Another issue that was discussed here during the regional interaction conference was about the delayed process of admission. Last year, law admissions ended in November. It was due to external reasons wherein several universities in the State had delayed in declaring their results. So, now we have requested the directorates to instruct all universities to complete the process well within the time.
- What has been your analysis on admission process held by CET cell?
It is a complex process. The complexity can be reduced, but we cannot do away with it. There are systematic problems. There are integral problems, as well as external ones which are not in control of the cell. For example, in regards to the issue of vacancies in colleges, this is not in our hands. Unless there are structural changes, for instance, a sector has a lot of job opportunities then students will automatically be driven towards the course. There are a lot of problems, a few at government level and some on our level as well. But I am sure we will find solutions - some in this year itself, few in next year.