In a recent press conference, Dr. M Mohan Alva, President of Karnataka Unaided Pre-University College Management Association (KUMPA), along with Prof Narendra L Nayak, Secretary of KUMPA, brought attention to several irregularities witnessed during the CET 2024 exams. Here are the key points they highlighted:
Unexpected Questions Beyond Syllabus
Dr. M Mohan Alva emphasized that the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has drawn significant criticism due to irregularities in the CET 2024 entrance test. This year’s exam, which holds pivotal importance for admission to engineering and other professional courses, saw around 45 questions across Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, and Biology (PCMB) subjects that were unrelated to the prescribed syllabus. Such anomalies are unprecedented since the inception of CET in 1984, causing confusion and anxiety among students, parents, and educators.
Call for Urgent Clarification and Accountability
The inclusion of out-of-syllabus questions from the CET manual released by KEA has raised concerns about oversight and accountability. Dr. Alva stressed the urgency for KEA and the government to address these discrepancies promptly, given the impact on student preparation and confidence.
Appeal for Immediate Intervention
Prof Narendra L Nayak echoed Dr. Alva’s concerns, labeling the inclusion of non-syllabus questions as distressing and unfair to students. He urged KEA to investigate the cause of these discrepancies and ensure transparency in the examination process. Prof Nayak also highlighted logistical challenges faced by students due to distant exam centers and called for a reconsideration of center allocations in future exams.
Prioritizing Student Welfare and Fair Evaluation
Both Dr. Alva and Prof Nayak emphasized the importance of prioritizing student welfare and fair evaluation. They called for the exclusion of out-of-syllabus questions from grading, a consultation with subject experts to rectify any further errors, and transparent communication from KEA regarding steps taken to address the issues raised.
Commitment to Quality Education Practices
The speakers reiterated their commitment to supporting government initiatives aimed at enhancing educational prospects. However, they stressed that cooperation would be contingent upon implementing practices that truly reflect the needs and potentials of students.
The press conference was attended by notable figures including Prof M B Punanik, Yuvaraj Jain, Manjunath Revankar, and Dr Sudhakar Shetty.
