The first step to picking a career

Thought you could heave a sigh of relief as the CET results are out; think again. It’s time for the crucial CET counselling. The Common Entrance Test is the principal entrance exam for engineering, medicine and architecture in the state. This year over 1.2 lakh students appeared for the exam.

Phase two of this critical exam begins with the counselling which many consider “tough” since this is the first defining moment of one’s career.

The CET results along with the final answer key were announced on May 25. Professional colleges offering full time courses in medical, dental and engineering are affiliated to the state-run universities, and admit students through CET annually. The fee structure varies year to year.

This year, the CET cell has revamped the tedious process and added new features to aid students.

Online centres

There will be three online seat selection centres: Bangalore, Hubli and Gulbarga. This move has been welcomed by parents and students alike. Says Akshita, a student, “This helps save money and time and also ensures a higher possibility of getting the seat of our choice.”

The increase in the number of seats also provides for some cheer. The seat matrix ratio for medical seats has gone up by 2%. Says S P Hegde, executive director, CET cell, “We have also received an approval for nine new engineering colleges.”

The economically weak

The fee structure for engineering courses has been reduced in comparison with last year. Coming to the aid of the meritorious poor students, a student whose family income is less than Rs 2 lakhs annually will get a seat for Rs 15000.

This will be 50% seats of private un-aided colleges. With an income of above Rs 2 lakhs, one can get a seat for Rs 25000. The management quota seat fee has been fixed at Rs 1.25 lakhs per seat.

Counselling dates

Counselling begins on June 4 for the special category. Counselling for the general category will begin on 8th June with medicine. This will be followed by counselling for alternative medicine on 15th and 16th June. Counselling for engineering will begin on 18th June. “There will be no special counselling dates for outstation students”, says Hegde.
Of course, the most important factor through this period is parental support since the tense atmosphere surrounding the centre can be intimidating. Unsolicited advice and misleading counsel can send students into a terrific spin.

“I’m baffled at the way parents can nag and get on the child’s nerves post CET results. I have found that most parents, let alone the candidate, don’t do their homework with regard to the courses and colleges. Everybody wants ready made information,” opines a HR professional and parent who has been through the process.

Do not lose heart if you don’t get the course and college of your choice. Most successful people have ventured out of the beaten track. It’s what you make out of yourself that matters most.

In the following week

Keep all your documents ready and organised with duplicates (photographs, caste certificates, etc.). Do a thorough study of the colleges, courses, infrastructure, faculty, track record of the college and distance from home. These are extremely crucial. Visit these colleges if you are planning to join them.

Do not get misled by college representatives promoting themselves (through brochures and marketing material), unsolicited advice, assurances, etc. Officials from the CET cell are available for advice and will guide you with authentic information.

Keep alternatives in mind to enable you to make a decision on your second or third choice. Choose a course based on your aptitude and not on any well-wisher’s advice.
Keep your energy level high with stamina to endure long hours of wait. Ensure you get sufficient rest, both mental and physical, on the previous day of counselling.
Reach well ahead of time to avoid unnecessary tension.

Parents please remember that your child is going through plenty of stress; peer and family pressure only adds to this.

Students who drop out of professional courses owe it bad judgment. Sudhir (name changed) who scored well in PUC and CET opted for E&C against his wishes and is now unable to cope. He feels he is at a dead end and his parents are in tears.
According to Dr V K Aatre, former scientific advisor to the raksha mantri, “Stay calm; it’s not the end of the world. A poor college does not mean a poor student. Today, there are umpteen career choices other than engineering and medicine. Parents should not put additional pressure on the child.”

Important dates


* Counselling begins on June 4 for the special category.
* Counselling for the general category will begin on June 8, with medicine.
* Counselling for alternative medicine is on June 15, 16.
* Counselling for engineering will begin on June 18.
* No special dates for outstation students