Single test for engineering colleges from 2018-19

NEW DELHI: Stage has been set for single NEET-like examination for entrance to engineering colleges from the academic year 2018-19, with the HRD ministry asking the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to spell out suitable norms for holding such an exercise.

The AICTE, which oversees aspects related to technical education in the country, had discussed at a recent meeting a proposal for having a single entrance test for engineering colleges for undergraduate courses.

The HRD ministry has told the AICTE that the proposal is in line with the Government's policy and it could incorporate suitable regulations to enable the holding of such a test, sources said.

It is learnt that the coveted IITs, for which a nationwide competitive examination is held, may also be brought in under the ambit of the new test.

The ministry has taken this decision to bring in greater transparency, maintain high standards and also try to ensure that students are saved the burden of taking too many tests, the sources said. (AGENCIES)