Two students from Kerala have given a representation to the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) requesting it to reschedule the Common Entrance Test (CET), which is slated to be held from April 16 to 18.
The students, Liya Wilson and Binsha Maria Shibu, have submitted their applications to appear for the CET to seek admission to BSc Nursing course in Karnataka. However, they want the CET to be rescheduled as they say the test dates, April 16, 17, and 18, clash with the Christian religious ceremonies, including Good Friday, and they do not want to miss the test in Karnataka.
“April 17 is observed as ‘Maundy Thursday’ and it is Good Friday on April 18… A majority of Christian students do write the CET with an ambition to get nursing seats in Karnataka,” the students said in their representation while complaining that the test dates in Karnataka were fixed without proper application of mind about the annual Christian religious ceremonies.
The exams for Physics and Chemistry have been scheduled for April 16, and Mathematics and Biology for April 17. The Kannada language test for Horanadu and Gadianadu Kannadigas will be held on April 18.
Students from outside Karnataka can write the CET only for admission to nursing courses.
Earlier, these two students had filed a petition before the High Court of Karnataka seeking directions to the KEA to reschedule the test. However, they withdrew the petition when the court questioned its maintainability as they had not approached the KEA. The court had given them liberty to submit a representation to the KEA on their grievances while asking the KEA to take appropriate decision on their representation by March 17, if they submitted any representation.
Speaking to The Hindu, Prasanna H., KEA Executive Director, said, “An appropriate decision will be taken after discussing the matter with the government.”
According to sources, this time, 3,30,530 students have registered for the CET. There will be no government holidays or religious ceremonies in Karnataka on the days of the core subject exams scheduled for April 16 and 17. A total of 2,537 students have registered for the Kannada language exam to be held on April 18 for Horanadu and Gadinadu Kannadigas, out of which 115 students belong to the Christian community. “However, neither of the two students who have petitioned the KEA demanding the change in CET schedule have registered for the April 18 Kannada exam. Therefore, the demand for rescheduling the CET is irrelevant,” said KEA sources.
“All preparations for CET-2025 have been made. The II PU exam will be completed on March 20, which will give students ample time to prepare for the CET. The Undergraduate National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (UGNEET) for admission to medical courses will be held on May 4. So, the dates fixed for the CET are most suitable in the interest of students,” said the source.
Published – March 14, 2025 11:47 pm IST
By
