CET for medical, engineering courses opposed in SC

New Delhi, Nov 13: The HRD Ministry's proposal for a Common Entrance Tests (CET) for medical and engineering courses was opposed by the Health Ministry in the Supreme Court on Friday, Nov 13.

In an affidavit filed through the Director General Health Services (DGHS), the ministry told the apex court that it was not in favour of the proposed CET at present due to the complexity involved.

"The answering respondent (DGHS) respectfully submits that on careful consideration, it is not at this stage in favour of an integrated entrance examination for medical and engineering streams,", the affidavit filed before a Bench of Justices R V Raveendran and A K Patnaik said.

Even though it shared the concern of CBSE to have a CET for maximsing the choice given to candidates and to minimise stress and expenses, the ministry felt that the matter has to be deliberated before a final decision could be taken on the plea.

"...the proposed amalgamation would present certain practical and logistical difficulties in the counselling process. Candidates eligible to appear for both Medical and Engineering Examination may eventually secure a place on both merit lists, thus posing a problem in allotment and counselling of the seats," the affidavit said.

Furthermore, the ministry argued that the benefits of convenience should not lead to any compromise on the substantive merits of either examination.

The apex court bench has adjourned the matter by two weeks.

OneIndia News