The State Government will conduct second Diploma Engineering Test (DET)- 2012, on September 30 as per a recent High Court ruling to fill up the large number of vacant seats in diploma engineering colleges across the State. The first entrance test was conducted in May.
The Department of Employment and Technical Education and Training (DETET) and Directorate of Technical Education And Training (DTET) have been instructed to conduct the test. There are 13 Government diploma engineering colleges and 82 private ones in State. The total strength in all colleges is 32,982. This year 53,161 students qualified in the first DET. After admissions, 15,053 seats have remained vacant.
The reasons being cited for the large number vacant seats is the delay in conduct of the High School Certificate (HSC) examination and publication of results. ‘’A number of students could not take the entrance examination due to this. Many students, who could not appear for the entrance, have scored higher marks than the ones who have already taken admission,’’ said Odisha Private Engineering Schools’ Association (OPESA) secretary Saroj Sahoo. According to the HC directive, the second DET examination and admission of fresh students should be completed by October 12. Since the classes in diploma engineering colleges have already begun from August 16, special classes will be conducted for the new students to make up the loss of time.
Also from this year onwards, the State government will bear tuition fees of SC/ students. ‘’Earlier a similar thing was done, but it was done through scholarships. Now with this notification it will become easier for SC and ST students to pursue higher education and they should take advantage of this scheme,’’ explained Sahoo. The result will be published on October 3.
