Inaugural Common Entrance Test (CET) Draws Mixed Responses

Amidst both anticipation and apprehension, the inaugural Common Entrance Test (CET) has drawn significant attention, with nearly 40,000 candidates registering for the test. The CET, designed to streamline admissions to popular Undergraduate (UG) programs including BBA, BCA, and BMS, marks a pivotal shift in Maharashtra's educational landscape.

The move towards CET for admissions to UG professional courses comes under the purview of the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE), signaling a standardized approach to admissions. Spearheaded by the Maharashtra CET Cell, the registration process for the first CET session, scheduled for the academic year 2024-25, has been underway, attracting significant attention from aspiring students.

Registrar's Insights: Growing Awareness, Lingering Concerns

According to Mahendra Warbhuvan, Commissioner of the Maharashtra CET Cell, the registration figures indicate a growing awareness among aspirants regarding the CET requirement for the upcoming academic year. However, colleges have voiced concerns over the general lack of awareness among students, highlighting potential challenges in the admission process. Sudhakar Jadhavar, President of the Maharashtra Unaided Educational Institutes Association, has underscored the discrepancy between current CET registrants and the usual annual admissions, indicating a broader ignorance of the changes among students. The association has filed a petition against the AICTE's oversight, citing challenges traditional colleges face in meeting approval requirements, especially concerning infrastructure and staffing constraints.

Expanding Horizons: Integrated PG Courses Included

In addition to facilitating admissions to UG programs, the CET's scope has expanded to include integrated Post Graduate (PG) level courses in Maharashtra. As per the Maharashtra CET Cell's announcement, the syllabus and information brochure for these integrated courses mirror those of the CET 2024 examination, promising a seamless educational pathway for students. In conclusion, the inaugural CET marks a significant milestone in Maharashtra's educational journey, promising standardized admissions procedures while eliciting both excitement and concerns within the academic community. As legal battles loom and infrastructure challenges persist, the CET's impact on admissions protocols and educational equity remains a topic of keen interest and debate.