Call to put off Karnataka CET gets louder; govt shouldn't insist on it, say students
Representative ImageBENGALURU: With only a fortnight left for the Common Entrance Test (CET) and the number of Covid-19 cases spiking rapidly, the demand that the exam be postponed is only getting louder. CET is scheduled for July 30 and 31.
After all intermediate semester exams of degree and post-graduate courses were cancelled in state universities, CET aspirants have raised the pitch, voicing their concerns on social media and in mass emails to politicians and the Karnataka Examinations Authority.
While #postponekcet is already trending, more Twitter storms are likely. #UGCcancelonlineexams was also trending on social media nationally. The cause has found support in student wings of various political outfits.
Students say even though exams are just two weeks away, no admit card has been issued. "I do not know where my daughter's exam centre is. It's worrying as there are so many containment zones in Bengaluru itself. While SSLC was well planned, I do not see any such planning in this case," said Ajirita, a mother of a II PU student.
Students and parents say when other entrance exams like National Entrance cum Eligibility Test and Joint Entrance Examination have been postponed, it's unfair that the state government insist on conducting CET. "What's the hurry with CET? The toppers would want to wait for JEE results to pick a college. With multiple entrance tests for engineering, students will explore all options," said Vinay K, a parent from Basavanagudi. "Conducting SSLC exams was a risk. Now, the government itself has admitted that things have gone out of hand. There's a lockdown at one end and an exam for nearly two lakh students at the other," said Kiran P, a student of a PU college in Yelahanka.
Students writing ComedK too are asking for a change of dates. "Inter-district travel is banned in many states. Travelling to the centres will be a problem ," said Ayush P, a student. ComedK is on August 1.
Lecturers worried
With UGC asking universities to cond uct final-year exams by September-end, varsities have started issuing revised academic calendar. Bengaluru Central University has scheduled physical classes for completion of syllabus for final-year students between August 3-28. VTU has scheduled optional classes between August 1-14. "Are our affiliated colleges ready to have physical classes when the number of cases is going up," asked a lecturer.
After all intermediate semester exams of degree and post-graduate courses were cancelled in state universities, CET aspirants have raised the pitch, voicing their concerns on social media and in mass emails to politicians and the Karnataka Examinations Authority.
While #postponekcet is already trending, more Twitter storms are likely. #UGCcancelonlineexams was also trending on social media nationally. The cause has found support in student wings of various political outfits.
Students say even though exams are just two weeks away, no admit card has been issued. "I do not know where my daughter's exam centre is. It's worrying as there are so many containment zones in Bengaluru itself. While SSLC was well planned, I do not see any such planning in this case," said Ajirita, a mother of a II PU student.
Students and parents say when other entrance exams like National Entrance cum Eligibility Test and Joint Entrance Examination have been postponed, it's unfair that the state government insist on conducting CET. "What's the hurry with CET? The toppers would want to wait for JEE results to pick a college. With multiple entrance tests for engineering, students will explore all options," said Vinay K, a parent from Basavanagudi. "Conducting SSLC exams was a risk. Now, the government itself has admitted that things have gone out of hand. There's a lockdown at one end and an exam for nearly two lakh students at the other," said Kiran P, a student of a PU college in Yelahanka.
Students writing ComedK too are asking for a change of dates. "Inter-district travel is banned in many states. Travelling to the centres will be a problem ," said Ayush P, a student. ComedK is on August 1.
Lecturers worried
With UGC asking universities to cond uct final-year exams by September-end, varsities have started issuing revised academic calendar. Bengaluru Central University has scheduled physical classes for completion of syllabus for final-year students between August 3-28. VTU has scheduled optional classes between August 1-14. "Are our affiliated colleges ready to have physical classes when the number of cases is going up," asked a lecturer.
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