Maharashtra Reschedules CETs to Post-Class 12 Exams
Maharashtra's higher education department cancels the December CET, shifting both attempts to after the Class 12 board exams for student relief.
December CET canceled to reduce pressure on Class 12 students.
First CET attempt scheduled for April, with a second attempt four weeks later.
Higher scores from both attempts will be considered for admissions.
In a significant move aimed at alleviating the stress on Class 12 students, the Maharashtra government has decided to cancel the December Common Entrance Test (CET). Both attempts for the CET will now take place after the board examinations, with the first attempt anticipated in April 2024, followed by a second attempt four weeks later.
The decision to scrap the December CET comes after feedback from various stakeholders, including students and educators, who expressed concerns about the dual pressure of preparing for both the CET and board exams simultaneously. The higher and technical education department emphasized that this change would provide students, particularly those from rural backgrounds, with the necessary time to complete their syllabus and adequately prepare for their board examinations.
Officials from the department noted that the revised schedule aims to ease the burden on students. The initial plan had been to conduct the CET twice a year starting from the 2026-27 academic year, but the immediate cancellation of the December exam reflects a responsive approach to the challenges faced by students. This adjustment is expected to benefit not only students but also teachers, who will have more time to focus on board exam preparations without the added pressure of CET preparation.
The tentative schedule indicates that the first CET will be held in April, with the exact dates to be confirmed once the official timetable is released. The four-week gap between the two attempts is designed to allow students to reflect on their performance in the first exam and make necessary improvements before the second attempt. This interval is seen as a crucial opportunity for students to enhance their preparation and boost their chances of securing better scores.
Additionally, the department has announced that the higher score achieved in either of the two attempts will be considered for admission into professional courses. This policy aims to provide students with a fair chance to improve their admission prospects, allowing them to benefit from their best performance rather than relying on a single exam result.
