With many colleges becoming deemed varsities, about 10 entrance tests are scheduled for engg, medical courses

It will be a sweltering summer — in more ways than one — for aspirants to medical and engineering courses. More than 10 entrance tests have been lined up over the next month which means students hoping to pursue these professional courses will be tested virtually every three days.

The multiple tests come in the wake of more and more colleges going the deemed university way. Deemed universities conduct their own entrance exam. The worst part, students, say, is that despite shelling out huge sums for entrance tests and going through the process of seat selection, they end up getting only one seat.

Students say it is high time the government intervenes and brings in a single entrance test, a system that was abolished decades ago. Students say it would save them time spent on running around to buy application forms, checking out syllabi for different entrance tests, preparing for the tests, writing exams, waiting for results, attending counselling process and finally securing a seat.

Kannada, English also tested!

To make matters worse for students, some entrance tests, apart from core subjects, will also test students on language skills too.

The Karnataka Examinations Authority conducts Kannada test for ‘Horanadu’ and ‘Gadinadu Kannadiga’ students. Since CET admission is only for Karnataka students, students from other states will have to pass a Kannada test to gain admission. They will also have to satisfy other terms and conditions.

The PES University, which is making its debut with PESSAT, will test students for English comprehension skills.

Speaking to Mirror, Prof D Jawahar, PES University director, said, “English comprehension is essential for students aspiring for professional courses. In fact, this is the norm followed across the country. So, we have decided to keep a minimum 20 marks out of the total 180 marks to test students on their English. The students have been told on what they need to prepare for the test.”

JUGGLING TESTS

Fida Mohammed I am writing about five entrance exams as of now.I will be giving more later. And the total cost has come up to about Rs 5,000. Aspiring engineers have to give one exam JEE. If only one exam is there and if you do badly on the exam you have no scope of getting into the college. But giving 15 exams is very hectic and expensive since every exam costs about Rs 500.

Brian Marcel Patrao I’m giving about seven entrance exams like JEE, COMEDK, CET VIT and others. Certain tests cost me around Rs 2,000. The entire cost this time has come to around Rs 10,000. I think giving so many entrance exams is really tiring. I would rather just study for one. It makes it a lot easier.

Medha Subramanian I am giving 10 engineering entrance tests this time and though the cost varies, the total has reached up to Rs 5,000. I don’t like giving so many entrance tests. But if you give only one, your entire college future depends on it. However, too many exams is tough. So, I guess one is enough”

Ann Joseph I’m giving around eight entrance exams and for me the entire cost has come up to Rs 5,000. I would prefer just giving one exam for choosing my college, since too many becomes hectic. But on the upside, giving lots gives you options.

DATES TO NOTE
»Amrita Engineering – April 13 »Manipal University online entrance test – April 15 to May 15 »D Devaraj Urs University – April 20 CET-May 1, 2 »PESSAT Engineering – May 3 to May 19 »KLE UGAIET-May 10 »COMEDK-May 11 »CLAT-May 11 »NUUGET-May 12 »Yenepoya University -May 18 »Sri Siddhartha Academy of Higher » Education-May 24 »BLDE UGET – May 25 »KRLMPCA-Last week of May »JSS UGET-June 1

Date: April 12th, 2014

Source: Bangalore Mirror