Udupi: In a relief to students, the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has announced that it will declare the Common Entrance Test (CET) results only after the publication of II PUC annual exam-2 results. It has also clarified that the best scores secured in either exam-1 or exam-2 will be considered for CET rankings.

This move comes as a comfort to students who were unsure whether to appear for exam-2, especially those dissatisfied with their exam-1 results.

A large number of science stream students are currently focused on CET and NEET. While most students are preparing to take up professional courses like engineering based on CET rankings, those aspiring for medical courses are gearing up for NEET scheduled on May 4. CET, on the other hand, will be held on April 16 and 17 (Kannada language paper on April 15).

The last date to register for II PUC annual exam-2 is April 19, followed by the issue of admit cards and other formalities. Hence, the exam is not expected before April 25, and the results will take further time. Students were earlier anxious that marks from exam-2 might not be considered for CET, which had discouraged some from registering, despite wanting to improve their scores.

Students who failed in exam-1 can appear for exam-2 without paying any fee. However, those seeking to improve their scores must pay Rs 175 per subject (first attempt) and Rs 350 per subject (second attempt).

KEA has now confirmed that II PUC marks will be given equal weightage with CET marks for admission to professional courses. The CET rank will be declared only after exam-2 results and the higher marks from either of the two annual exams will be considered for ranking.

This decision is expected to bring clarity to students and encourage them to take exam-2 confidently.

Since last academic year, the state government has introduced three annual board exams for SSLC and II PUC. Earlier, students had only one annual exam followed by two supplementary exams. The CET process had witnessed confusion last time regarding this new exam structure, as KEA had delayed taking a decision.

No wait for exam-3

A KEA official said, “We will not wait for the third annual exam to announce CET results, as it would delay professional course admissions. CET rankings will be based on exam-1 and exam-2 marks. However, students appearing for the third exam can participate in later or final rounds of counselling if they secure better marks.”

“For students’ convenience, CET results will be announced after II PUC annual exam-2 results. The best marks between exam-1 and exam-2 will be considered. Students can appear for exam-2 without any confusion,” said Prasanna H., Executive Director, Karnataka Examinations Authority.

Translated version of Kannada article by Raju Kharvi Koderi