Hyderabad: A slew of changes have been made in the Eamcet exam pattern from this year. Biometric system will be implemented at all test centres across the 10 districts. Also, to ensure transparency, the authorities are contemplating online medical tests this year.
However, the engineering test will continue be held offline. The exam fee has been doubled from the previous Rs 250 to Rs 500 while for SC and ST candidates, the fee will be Rs 250.
The CET committee along with chairman of the Telangana State Council for Higher Education (TSCHE) met in Hyderabad on Wednesday and released the schedule. The exam for both engineering and medical streams is slated for May 2.
Online test to stop cheats
TSCHE chairman Papi Reddy has recalled incidents of malpractice and irregularities noticed in medicine and PG entrance tests in the previous years. “Because of limited seats and a huge demand, there is a scope for manipulation and we are thinking of all possibilities to eliminate it with the online test,” he said.
If a final decision was not taken, Mr Papi Reddy said that online exams would be introduced from next year.
For the first time, candidates will be allowed to take back carbon papers of the OMR sheet so that they can check their answers after the key is released, he said. For the convenience of AP candidates writing the exam, he said centres would be allotted in the border districts to minimise travel.
Like before, entry will be barred for candidates coming in late and parents and candidates should take necessary precautions and reach the centres well in advance, he said.
On the fee hike, the commission said they were left with no option in view of increased expenditures.
The test will be held in 15 regional centres spread across 10 districts. Each regional centre will be divided into eight zones to facilitate candidates take the test without difficulties. Last year, nearly 2.5 lakh students appeared for the Eamcet exam, including 90,000 who took the medical test.
Submission of online applications would commence on February 28 and candidates could submit their applications up to March 28.
Candidates can submit their applications after the cut-off date by paying fines ranging from Rs 500 to Rs 10,000, till April 29. The key will be released the following day and ranks will be declared on May 12.
