CET for Engineering courses possible only after common curriculum in states

CET can be considered if states  have common curriculum – The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) Chairman Anil Sahashrabuddhe has stated that the governing body is considering a common entrance test (CET) for engineering stream on the lines of National Eligibility Entrance Test (NEET) which is conducted for the admission into Medical course in case all the States have a common syllabus required for the Engineering Entrance Exam.

 

Prof Anil was replying to questions regarding the quality of engineering education in India which has seen a decline in its quality in recent times. He was brought to notice the fact that engineering courses have become less lucrative and have started losing their sheen. However, the top official stated that this was not the case. During 2015-16, there were a total of 16.50 lakh engineering seats which at the present was 14 lakhs. 

 

He further added that AICTE had thought of introducing a common CET two years back. However, different state boards have different syllabus due to which their curriculum are not the same. So these efforts were put on hold. 

 

When questioned regarding the quality of Engineering education in India, he stated that these courses are one of the most versatile ones in India. This is the reason why so many Indian Administrative Service Officers (IAS) have their background in Engineering. When asked why there was a drop in the Engineering seats, the AICTE Chairman stated that some engineering colleges were not having efficient admissions in the last three years. Due to this, over 90 colleges were ordered to close down. More than AICTE efforts, it was all due to well informed parents and students.