The state Govt has directed the university authorities to conduct mock tests for engineering aspirants for the next academic session. The mock tests will particularly help students from rural and backward areas prepare for the All-India Engineering Entrance Examination (AIEEE) in 2013.
An initiative of the Higher Education Department and the Himachal Pradesh Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Commission, the mock tests has begin at 590 government senior secondary schools today and it will continue till February next year.
Higher Education Joint Director Shashi Bhushan cleared that it is a part of the Govt direction to admit students through the AIEEE from the next academic session, so that it is trying to make students of government schools aware of its pattern. Since the examination also had an online pattern, the option would also be made available to students in mock tests. A nominal fee of Rs 100 would be charged from them. Those from below poverty line families would be charged Rs 50.
Each university was given a cluster of about 50 schools and the area selected through a draw of lots. A common question paper had been prepared and it would be followed by all 11 private universities. At least five mock tests would be conducted by each university for every cluster.
The decision to make the AIEEE mandatory for engineering students would ensure quality. The universities had been drawing flak for lowering admission criteria and compromising on quality.
