According to Sruthy Susan Ullas, the Karnataka government is considering a one-time exemption to the Common Entrance Test (CET) requirement for admission into BSc Nursing this year. This action attempts to allay concerns expressed by nursing institutions and students about the short amount of time available for preparation for the entrance test and the potential rise in open seats as a result of the increased CET requirement.
The Present BSc Nursing Admission Procedure
As of right now, the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) will conduct CET counselling in two rounds to distribute seats for BSc Nursing. If any seats are still open after these two rounds of counselling, the colleges would be tasked with filling them. The managements of these institutions would thereafter have the authority to accept students in accordance with the Rajiv Gandhi University of Health Sciences’ established eligibility standards.
Accord Between Public and Private Colleges
The Karnataka government and private nursing institutions will engage into a contract to control admissions to nursing programmes throughout the state, marking a first-of-its-kind move. By ensuring that the interests of both students and institutions are taken into consideration, this agreement strives to create a framework for consistent and equitable admissions.
Concerns Regarding the CET Requirement
The CET requirement, which stipulates that students must pass the entrance test, was established by the previous state administration in April and is a condition for admission to the BSc Nursing programme in Karnataka. However, because of this choice, students had little time to be ready for the CET, which was set for May 20. Private nursing schools voiced worries that this new rule would result in a sizable number of open seats as they often draw students from neighbouring states.
Relaxation of CET Criteria Being Proposed
Dr. Sharan Prakash Patil, the minister of medical education, responded to a question from BJP MLC V Sankanur in the legislative council by saying that the government is exploring two rounds of counselling to accommodate more students. The minister did accept that there may be open seats even after two rounds. In order to fill those seats, the administration is thinking of granting a one-time exemption from the CET requirement.
To finalise the deal, talks with nursing colleges are now taking place. The minister also addressed the subject of tuition increases requested by institutions, saying it would be impractical to significantly raise tuition for government seats. The price increases for private tickets are still being negotiated.
Viewpoints from Nursing Schools
The CET requirement has been criticised by the Karnataka State Association of Managements of Nursing and Allied Health Science Institutions. They said that because no other state holds a uniform entrance exam for nursing admissions, it is challenging for students to effectively prepare. The association’s president, S. Shivakumar, emphasised the CET’s lack of exposure and the little amount of time students have to prepare. The group anticipates that by exempting applicants from the CET requirement, fewer open seats would arise and more motivated nursing students will be able to continue their studies.
Accord for the BSc Nursing Admission
The director of medical education, Dr. Sujatha Rathod, acknowledged that this is the first time a contract is being created for the Karnataka BSc Nursing programme. The admissions procedure is anticipated to become more transparent and fair because to this agreement’s planned clarity and standardisation.
CET Guidance and Seating Chart
According to S. Ramya, the KEA’s executive director, the nursing seat matrix has not yet been received. Although the KEA intends to integrate counselling for nursing courses with counselling for other courses, a separate counselling session will be organised if the nursing seat matrix becomes available earlier than expected.
In conclusion, the Karnataka government’s willingness to resolve the issues brought up by students and nursing institutes is evidenced by its consideration of a one-time exemption from the CET criteria for BSc Nursing admission. The government wants to develop a controlled admissions procedure, thus they have entered into an agreement with private institutions. By giving them equal opportunity to continue nursing school and contribute to the healthcare industry, this action is anticipated to help students.
