Kerala Engineering Entrance Exam to Transition to Online Format from Next Year, Introducing 100 Exam Centers
Starting next year, the Kerala Engineering Entrance Exam will shift to an online format, pending approval from the cabinet. The decision comes as part of an effort to enhance the examination process. Tenders will be invited from companies with technical expertise to conduct the online test, with three companies expressing interest in the task.
Currently, the entrance exams conducted by the Entrance Commissioner, except for the Kerala Engineering Entrance Exam, are already conducted online. The proposed format suggests combining the existing two papers (Physics-Chemistry and Mathematics) into a single paper lasting three hours, modeled after the JEE exam for all-India engineering admissions.
Given the absence of adequate computer and internet facilities to conduct the exam in a single phase for the approximately 150,000 candidates appearing, it is recommended to conduct the exam over several days with 15,000 students each. Two exams are planned in January and May, with the suggestion to consider the highest score for ranking and adopt the percentage score method used in All India Examinations.
Several exams, including LLB, PG Nursing, and MBA entrance exam K-MAT, are already conducted online. Shifting the Kerala Engineering Entrance Exam to an online format is expected to expedite the publication of the answer key and results, potentially reducing costs by eliminating the need for OMR answer sheet and question paper printing.
However, challenges may arise in ensuring access to computers, internet, and electricity in all exam centers, particularly in districts like Idukki and Wayanad. The proposed method involves setting up computers for students in examination centers, utilizing two laptops to transfer questions, and having students click on the correct answers, which will then be recorded on the server.
The move toward online exams aims to streamline the examination process, providing quicker publication of results and potentially advancing the admissions timeline.
