No online exam for Eamcet

The AP State Council for Higher Education has ruled out online examination for the Eamcet next year due to uncertain political and social atmosphere in the state. “No, not now… I can say not in the next couple of years” Professor L Venugopala Reddy, Chairman of the APSCHE told The Hans India. “The government is totally preoccupied with the issue of bifurcation and we cannot experiment at this juncture” he added.

When brought to his notice that JEE Main is being held in both online and off-line modes at the national level, Professor Reddy said “They have done enough exercise before hand and the developed support mechanism for the window exam. We have some issues at state level which need to be addressed before going in for online exam,” he explained. But he hastened to add that it is possible, if not now, sometime in future. “Let the dust settle first, then we can think of bringing in some changes in exam methodology” he remarked.

As many issues like 25 per cent weightage is involved in Eamcet, the present system would continue at least for the next three years, well placed sources said. ‘Even if the state is divided, there may not be much alterations and both the states can come to an understanding and hold a common test. Since the Union government in its draft bill mentioned same system for ten years as far as educational opportunities are concerned, there may not be much problem’ another senior official explained.

The Eamcet-2014 date is expected to be announced on December 20.

Meanwhile, a hot race has been on to bag the coveted post of Eamcet convener. Although Professor NV Ramana Rao, who has been handling it for the past few years is likely to be continued for the next year as well, some senior professors of JNTU like Professor Viswanath, Director, Academic Cell, Professor Saibaba Reddy, Rector, Professor Eeswar Prasad and Professor Vijay Kumar were also said to be in the race. “In all likelihood, JNTU-H would conduct the exam and I cannot tell you now who is going to be the convener” Prof LV Reddy said. JNTU-H Vice Chancellor would suggest three names and the Council would finally select one among them.

The panel constituted to study the web counseling system will meet on December 21. As many irregularities have been reported for the past few years and many grey areas are to be plugged, the Council felt it necessary to revisit the system. The panel is expected to suggest some changes notable among them being any ranker would know the chances of his getting seat in a college of his choice with more accuracy.