Single Entrance Examination for Engineering and Architecture Colleges from 2018

The Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Ministry on Friday, 10th February, 2017, announced that with effect from 2018, admission to all engineering and architecture colleges will be made through a single entrance examination, on the lines of the National Eligibility and Entrance Test (NEET) for medical colleges.

The decision is made to make the admission process more transparent and relieve the burden of heavy capitation fee levied on students. The decision is also thought of as elevating the standard of engineering education in the country. At present several states conduct their own engineering examinations or admit students based on the marks secured in class XII board exams.

The All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has been told to make suitable regulations under the AICTE Act for the single entrance examination.  In the order, the HRD Ministry advised the AICTE to ensure a standardisation of the testing process, keeping the linguistic diversity of the nation in view. The order also notified that the entrance examination will be conducted multiple times a year. If the admissions to IITs and NITs would be made through this examination, has not been conclusively decided yet.  The ministry has invited suggestions from the state government and deemed universities for smooth implementation of the process while also requesting them to come under joint seat allocation.