Set up Help Desks to Attract More Takers for Diploma Test, Tech Institutes Told

BHUBANESWAR: The Department of Employment and Technical Education and Training (ET&ET) has asked all Government engineering schools, polytechnics and ITIs to set up help desks to help generate more applications for Diploma Entrance Test (DET).

These institutions have been directed to engage at least one IT staff who will help the candidates apply online.

The DET, 2015 will be held on May 17 in two sittings across 58 centres, four of which are located outside the State. The application process, which was opened on February 23, generated at least 24,872 applications in over a month.

Most of the applicants had applied for Rourkela and Bhubaneswar as examination centres whereas Nabarangpur, Koraput, Nuapada and Boudh drew the least. The last date for application submission is April 20.

Currently, there are 150 engineering schools and polytechnics in the State out of which 33 are run by the Government while the rest 117 are private. The total intake of these institutions stand at 47,229 in 30 disciplines of engineering, non-engineering and Film and TV courses.

Since the rate of applications was not very encouraging, the ET&ET Department has instructed the institutions to carry out a massive campaign so as to spread the word about the entrance test and help the students from the hinterland with technical support.

“Since applicants from backward districts may not be acquainted with online application process - which is mandatory - there is a need to assist them,” said an officer.

The Government engineering schools, polytechnics and ITIs have been instructed to display flex banners to inform the DET schedule. Besides, awareness programmes on the test and procedures will have to be organised at regular intervals in nearby localities and high schools till the last date of application. Information brochures will also be distributed during the campaigns.

The State Government, which is pushing technical education and vocational training to raise employment status, is planning to open more engineering schools, polytechnics in the Government sector during 2015-16. It has also taken an integrated approach under which ITI passouts can take admission in third semester of diploma courses while polytechnic passouts can go in for third semester in degree engineering through lateral entry mode.