HRD panel backs common entrance test for Central universities

According to ministry sources, the group recommended a common entrance test each for undergraduate, post-graduate and PhD levels for all Central Universities, on the lines of the Common Admission Test (CAT) for post-graduate management programmes.

The group suggested a combination of the common entrance test results and interviews, and said each university should have the freedom to decide the weightage of each, as well as that of the Class XII Board exam marks.

Sources said the group also said it should be an online test conducted once every year. The test would include one paper on general aptitude and one on the respective course the student wishes to opt for.

The Vice-Chancellors were from Central Universities of Kerala, Gujarat and Jharkhand, Babasaheb Bhimrao Ambedkar University, Pondicherry University, Delhi  University and Tripura University.

The ministry is also pushing for a “single Act for Central Universities” and a draft bill to that effect was circulated to all Central Universities inviting their suggestions. The draft bill is based on recommendations of the A M Pathan committee and has been criticised for compromising the autonomy of these universities.

There are currently 40 central universities under the Ministry, of which 16 were created in 2009 under one Act, while the rest are governed by separate Acts of Parliament.