State CET Intensifies Scrutiny on Management Quota Admissions in Private Professional Colleges”

Pune, 8th August 2023: Private professional colleges in the city are facing increased scrutiny as the state common entrance test (CET) cell takes a firm stance on admissions granted under the management quota for both degree and post-graduate courses. Commissioner Mahendra Warbhuvan of the CET cell has issued a directive, asserting that admissions found to involve irregularities will be declared null and void.

This decisive move comes in direct response to complaints voiced by concerned parents and student organizations who have raised serious doubts about the fairness and transparency of the admissions process.

Commissioner Warbhuvan elaborated on the directive, stating, “The directive explicitly emphasizes that any admission proven to be in violation of the law will be revoked by the regulatory authority. Furthermore, in accordance with CET Cell regulations, educational institutions must offer admissions under the institution-level quota only after the completion of the centralised admission process (CAP) rounds.”

“In addition, colleges are mandated to publish both the results of CAP rounds, including the selection list, on their official websites and notice boards. A dedicated committee will meticulously scrutinize all admissions conducted under the management quota, along with associated advertisements and merit lists. Any college or institute found to have breached admission regulations will face penalties, and all unauthorized admissions will be declared null and void.”

The admission procedure for professional courses such as engineering, pharmacy, MBA, and MCA entails CAP rounds. Following the conclusion of these rounds, any remaining seats, including those reserved for the management quota, are to be filled at the institution and college level.

Critics, including parents and student organizations, contend that while preference should rightfully be accorded to high-achieving students, certain colleges allegedly offer direct admissions to individuals who provide substantial donations, thereby sidelining numerous deserving candidates.

Numerous grievances lodged by concerned stakeholders prompted both the state CET cell and the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) to intervene and take measures to curb such practices, particularly within esteemed institutions.

Kalpesh Yadav, Joint Secretary of Yuva Sena, commented, “Despite the first CAP round remaining unfinished, certain renowned Pune colleges have already initiated institution-level admissions by accepting donations. This appears to have turned education into a business, complete with predefined rates for management quota admissions.”

Yadav continued, “We promptly reported this violation to the DTE and state CET cell, who have taken the matter seriously and issued this directive. This move will undoubtedly bring substantial relief to parents and students alike.”

Vinod Mohitkar, Director of DTE, confirmed the issuance of an order to comprehensively review admissions under the management quota. He stated, “Any concerns surrounding admissions at the institution and college level for professional courses will be subjected to meticulous review. We are committed to ensuring that all admissions adhere rigorously to the guidelines stipulated in Rule 13 of the Maharashtra Unaided Private Vocational Educational Institutions Regulation of Admissions to Full-Time Vocational Pre-Graduate Technical Courses Rules, 2017. Effective oversight of the process is our priority at the DTE level.”