State may advance PGCET dates to attract non-Karnataka students

The common entrance tests for postgraduate courses like ME/MTech and MBA/MCA are likely to be advanced this year. The process, which usually begins in August, is likely to be advanced to June from this year.

This is because the late schedule has been dissuading non-Karnataka students from opting for the state, leaving a large number of vacant seats. Students prefer neighbouring states, where the process begins in June.

According to the tentative schedule this year, the process is scheduled to begin from June 25 with the exam for ME/MTech slated for July 25 and that for MBA/ MCA on July 26.

“Although we have made plans for an early start, we are awaiting a government order. The main motive behind the move is to attract students from outside the state,” said S N Gangadhariah, administrative officer, Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA).

Last year, the PGCET itself was held in August with the processes of counseling and seat allotments going on till October. The timetable followed by Maharashtra is presently being considered.          

“There is no logic in holding tests in August and commencing classes in November. It is a serious concern that needs to be addressed. Students who would otherwise come here, go to other states,” said M Prakash, secretary, Karnataka Private Post-graduate Colleges Association (KPPGCA).  “MBA/MCA courses also face stiff competition from postgraduate degree courses in MCom, Masters in Financial Administration (MFA) and Masters in International Business (MIB),” Prakash added.

T V Raju, director, RV College of Management, said: “Having tests around June or July will be appropriate. With the present schedule, there is no time for students to settle down. A well-defined timetable may help us avoid losing students to other states.”

K B Raja, faculty, Electronics and Communication Engineering, University Visvesvaraya College of Engineering (UVCE) said: “In well-known colleges like UVCE, the MTech and ME seats get filled. However, many less-known engineering colleges in the city struggle to fill seats. Things might improve with an early timetable,” he said.