Kerala   

Clash in date of entrance tests

PATHANAMTHITTA: Thousands of students from Kerala who have applied for the MBBS entrance test of Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) and the All-India Engineering Entrance Examinations-2011, conducted by the Armed Forces Medical Services and the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) respectively, are in a fix as both examinations have been scheduled on the same day — May 1. The allotment of examination centres by the two Central agencies too has been done without taking into consideration the applicants' choice.

A statement issued by the CBSE said it had been decided that the AIEEE would be held between 9.30 a.m. and 12.30 p.m. and the AFMC MBBS examination between 2.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. with a view to providing students an opportunity to appear for both the exams. However, the majority of students who have applied for AFMC entrance examinations with choice of Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram have been allotted centres in Pune, Mumbai and various other places outside Kerala, making it virtually impossible for them to attend both the examinations on the same day.

Serious issue

Talking to The Hindu, James Mullasserry, Principal of Placid Vidya Vihar attached to Christu Jyoti Group of Institutions at Changanacherry, said the allotment of examinations centres at two distant places was a serious issue.

Mr George Thomas.P, director of Pala-based Brilliant, a coaching institute, said lack of co-ordination between the two Central agencies had led to the situation.

Appeal to authorities

Mr. George and Fr. Mullasserry have called upon the AIEEE and the AFMC authorities to take an appropriate decision to ensure that the the rights of students are protected.

They said the AFMC as well as CBSE should allot the centres to students as per the choices given by them on a priority basis in their application so as to avoid any inconveniences.

They have also urged Union Defence Minister A.K. Antony and Overseas Indian Affairs Minister Vayalar Ravi to intervene in the matter.

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