New authority to conduct medical entrance tests in Asom

Guwahati, Apr 1 (UNI) Dibrugarh University was today appointed to hold this year's medical entrance test in Asom.

Following reports of gross irregularities in examinations conducted by the Gauhati University over the past few years, the onus of conducting the entrance examinations for the three medical colleges have been vested on Dibrugarh University.

Informing this at a press meet here, state Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sharma said, ''Dibrugarh University will conduct the medical entrance examination this time. New rules would also be made effective from this year.'' The Minister had earlier promised to revamp the selection procedure in the wake of reported irregularities, along with students facing charges for forging documents.

Mr Sharma said among other major changes, one important change was the increase in the cut-off marks to be eligible to appear for the entrance examination.

Earlier a student with 50 per cent marks in the higher secondary level could apply under reserved seats, but from this year, the cut-off marks have been increased to 60 per cent even for quota seats,'' he added.

''A set for reforms have been introduced to make the selection procedure more effective and error-free,'' the Minister said.

UNI