THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The entrance examinations for admissions to professional colleges in the State began in 276 centres on Monday amid high security.
The security was beefed up at the examination centres following the protest march organised by the Campus Front demanding scrapping of entrance tests.
The Campus Front has been demanding for a Tamil Nadu-model admission formula based on Plus- II examination marks instead of the present admission system based on the marks obtained for entrance examinations.
The physics and chemistry examinations for engineering courses were held on the first day. Mathematics examinations for engineering courses will be held from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. on Tuesday.
The physics and chemistry examinations for medical courses will be held from 10 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. on Wednesday.
The examinations will conclude with the biology examinations for medical courses to be held from 2 p.m. to 4.30 p.m on Thursday.
Meanwhile 24 students of third year BSc biotechnology of the Government College, Kariavattom, have been denied chance to write the entrance examinations as the university practical examinations schedule clashed with the entrance examination dates.
Though they had petitioned the university authorities requesting a postponement of the practical examinations, the authorities refused to take any action.
The students have also submitted petitions to Governor R S Gavai and Education Minister M A Baby on the issue.