No clarity on First Year Junior College admissions as verdict on Common Entrance Test awaited

Amidst confusion, Directorate of Secondary Education issues notification announcing the start of the registration process

Junior and minority colleges attached to schools wait for clarity on the First Year Junior College (FYJC) admissions, even as the Directorate of Secondary Education issued a notification announcing the start of the registration process despite the Common Entrance Test (CET) matter still being subjudice. Usually these colleges finish admissions soon after the Std X results so that the centralised online system can be smooth, but this year, in view of the confusion over CET, the admission process is stuck.

Though only a few days are left for the CET to start (August 21), there is still no clarity on whether the exam will take place. The Bombay High Court will issue a verdict on the same today.

“As per the original circular, the CET is going to be an option. While those with CET scores will be given preference, admissions can happen based on Std X scores as well. Our admission process is independent of the centralised system, and we prefer to admit our school students before those from outside. Then why not let us begin our admissions?” questioned the principal of a junior college.

Also read: Parents say no to 'super-spreader' Common Entrance Test for First Year Junior College

The situation is the same for minority colleges, where 50 per cent of the seats go to students from that specific religious minority. “Just as CET is an option for students, colleges too should be given the option of whether to consider CET for admissions, especially for minority seats. We usually complete these admissions before other admissions start,” shared a principal. 

Adding to this, another principal said, “Now everyone is waiting for the court verdict. If CET happens, then it would take another month or two for the classes to begin, and that will be loss of crucial study time for students.”

Meanwhile, a new notification on FYJC admissions has been issued by the Director of Education (Secondary and Higher Secondary), D G Jagtap. Part I of the form, which includes the registration process will be made available to students from August 16. For practice, a mock demo will be there on the admissions website from August 13. This information would be erased from the system once the registration process begins.

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