In what could be seen as meek surrender, the Union Human Resource Development Ministry has made the adoption of the proposed Common Entrance Test (CET) for engineering courses optional for deemed-to-be universities in the country.
The decision, made against the backdrop of such institutions showing displeasure over the proposed set up, was made on Monday at a meeting of representatives of about 100 universities with Union HRD Minister Kapil Sibal in New Delhi.
Representatives of these varsities in Tamil Nadu, who attended the meeting, said a “consensus” on the mechanics of the test, proposed during the meet, was achieved after the minister said the adoption of the system itself would be optional for deemed-to-be universities.
Sources said Sibal put forth a set up wherein the institutions could use the scores of the proposed CET with a minimum of 40 per cent weightage for Class XII board exams in admissions. It is pertinent to note that several IITs have already opposed the implementation of the common test set up and are set to meet Sibal on June 27.
Sources said several representatives wanted the HRD minister to ensure that the AIEEE is not abolished even if the CET is brought in from 2013, so that they could have the option of using AIEEE scores as the common component.
That the exam has been made optional has given freedom to the deemed-to-be universities to continue with their own eligibility tests.