From next year onwards, there will be a common engineering entrance exam for all students across India according to an announcement made by the Ministry of Human Resource development on Friday.
Many times a year, the test will be conducted. The HRD Ministry has asked the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to list out suitable norms for holding such an exercise.
AICTE's Proposal
The proposal was discussed at a recent meeting by AICTE, which oversees aspects related to technical education in the country. In response, the HRD ministry has told the AICTE that the proposal is in line with the government's policy and that it could incorporate suitable regulations to enable the holding of such a test.
About the Test
The common engineering test is expected to be on par with the National Eligibility-Cum-Entrance Test (NEET) standards to replace all other existing admission tests. The engineering entrance test will also be held in various regional languages to help the native students.
About NEET
NEET is a common entrance test introduced in 2016 to get through all medical and dental colleges barring AIIMS and JIPMER.
Feedback Welcomed
According to sources, the ministry is also in favour of seeking constructive suggestions from states and Deemed Universities for the successful holding of such a test.
IIT Too To Be Covered
Usually, IITs conduct their tests themselves for admissions. But if this common entrance exam is introduced, even the IITs will take these scores for consideration to admit students.
National Testing Agency
Recently, the idea to set up National Testing Agency was formed to relieve CBSE of its burden and help it concentrate on school activities. However, if engineering entrance tests too would be covered by the agency is not confirmed as officials said it would be premature to say it.