Single entrance test for engineering, architecture seats from 2018

NEW DELHI: The Centre has approved the proposal for a single entrance exam for engineering and architecture at the undergraduate level from 2018, on the lines of the national eligibility and entrance test for medical colleges. The Union human resource development ministry has asked the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to issue a "suitable regulation" for the implementation of the proposal from the academic year 2018-19. The test shall be conducted multiple times a year, as is the case with college admission tests like SAT in the US, and is intended to bring uniformity in academic standards and reduce the influence of donations. The test will, however, not include admissions to IITs, which will continue to hold their own entrance exams. IITs, unlike private and state colleges, are not seen to be affected by fluctuating standards and admission processes. The HRD ministry has asked AICTE to ensure that the testing process is standardised, keeping "in view the linguistic diversity". AICTE sources said the test was to be held in multiple languages, like NEET which will be conducted in 10 languages this year. Ministry seeks suggestions from states According to a senior HRD official, "The admission for IITs will continue as per the present scheme. IITs will conduct the joint entrance examination (advanced). Students who qualify JEE (mains) can appear for the JEE (advanced) examination. Approximately 2,00,000 students qualify to appear for JEE (advanced) examination."