Common Entrance Test from 2015, students may pursue two semester in separate central universities

Come 2015 and admission in any under graduate and post-graduate courses in central universities across the country will be through a single window, common entrance form.

Human resource development ministry is chalking out a plan to bring all 45 central universities under one umbrella to hold a common test.

The vice-chancellors of central universities have held two meetings in the past two months at Chandigarh and Delhi University. In these two meetings, universities have reached a broader consensus
on having a common entrance test.

The universities have also agreed to go for flexi courses which would allow students to pursue two semesters in two separate universities.

For taking admission in any of these courses, students will be able to apply for 45 central universities located across the country through one form. Delhi has five central universities including Delhi
University, Jamil Millia Islamia, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Indira Gandhi National Open University and South Asian University.

From 2009, seven central universities have been conducting a common, Central University Common Entrance Test. Central universities at Haryana, Jammu, Jharkhand, Kashmir, Kerala, Rajasthan and Tamil Nadu hold a common entrance test for over 200 programmes. HRD ministry now wants to hold a common entrance test for all universities.

"The meeting was initiated by ministry to draw the roadmap for a common entrance test. While there were some voices of dissent, all vice-chancellors finally agreed," said one of the vice-chancellor present in the meeting.

Sources close to HRD minister Smriti Irani confirmed that government is keen to roll common entrance test from 2015 academic session. Consultations on enforcing the proposal will began next month. The
plan will get its final shape in the annual conference of vice-chancellors scheduled in February.

The ministry is of the view that bringing all universities under one umbrella will open more avenues for students. "While there is a rush for admissions in Delhi University, seats at Guru Ghasidas Viswavidyalaya, Bilaspur have no takers. The idea is to ensure that more students make through these universities," said a ministry officer.

Common entrance test is also a step towards Common University Act. Currently central universities are being governed by their own Act. The ministry has also initiated the process of creating a Common Act
for Central University. This the ministry hopes will bring parity in the university system and will also inter university transfer and postings of teachers.

The plan has, however, not gone down well with the teaching fraternity. "For universities located in rural and remote area, a common entrance will narrow the scope for local students. The Common Act will also be defeat the unique objective of establishing the universities. The moves are going to be suicidal," said a professor teaching at a university in a North-East state.