Karnataka may seek AICTE extension for engineering admissions amid counselling delays

Bengaluru: Govt likely to seek more time for admissions

The state government is likely to request the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) to extend the last date of admission for engineering programmes, as the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is still conducting its second round of counselling.

As per current AICTE norms, the last date of admission is September 15. However, KEA is planning at least three rounds of counselling and may require additional time. Officials indicated that the state is likely to request an extension until September 30.

Medical counselling delays impact schedule

KEA’s timeline has been complicated by delays in medical admissions. The Medical Counselling Committee (MCC) has tentatively scheduled the second round of All India quota counselling from August 29, to include newly authorised MBBS seats.

Since Karnataka follows a combined counselling process for professional courses—including engineering, medicine, and dental programmes—KEA can conduct the second round of state NEET counselling only after MCC completes its second round.

“The time constraint is mainly due to MCC’s delayed schedule. Karnataka follows a combined counselling process so students get the best possible seat. But MCC’s delay is holding up admissions. We are in a fix as AICTE’s last date is September 15. We will request an extension,” said H Prasanna, executive director, KEA.

Engineering colleges urge faster counselling

The Karnataka Unaided Private Engineering Colleges Association (KUPECA) has also written to KEA, urging it to expedite counselling.

In a letter dated August 20, the association reminded KEA of the consensual agreement entered with the government, which states that all rounds of counselling should be completed 10 days before AICTE’s last admission date, giving colleges time to fill management quota seats.

“To enable managements to fill unfilled seats, KEA has to complete counselling and hand over vacant seats by September 5,” the letter stated.

KEA’s challenges ahead

Meeting the September 5 deadline appears nearly impossible, as KEA is still conducting the second round of counselling, with results expected on August 29.

“If the increase in MBBS seats is announced earlier and no new colleges are added, we can continue with the announced schedule. But if new colleges are added, we will have to re-open option entry. We will take steps appropriately,” Prasanna said.

Conclusion

With overlapping schedules of engineering and medical counselling, KEA faces significant challenges in completing the process within AICTE’s stipulated deadline. A request for extension to September 30 now appears the only feasible option for the state.