Is Puducherry Ready for Simultaneous Counselling for NEET and Non-NEET Courses in August?
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Synopsis
Puducherry is making waves in the education sector with CENTAC's decision to conduct simultaneous counselling for NEET and non-NEET courses. This change aims to meet the pressing admission deadlines and address concerns over delays, ensuring a smoother process for students and parents alike.
Key Takeaways
- Puducherry CENTAC initiates simultaneous counselling for NEET and non-NEET courses.
- The counselling process begins in the first week of August.
- A proposed 10 percent reservation for government school students is in the pipeline.
- The draft merit list for NEET courses will be published on August 1.
- Time constraints necessitated a concurrent counselling schedule.
Puducherry, July 26 (NationPress) In a notable shift from previous practices, the Centralised Admission Committee (CENTAC) of the Union Territory of Puducherry is set to initiate counselling for NEET and non-NEET courses simultaneously, beginning in the first week of August.
This decision is driven by a growing urgency to comply with the August 14 admission deadline established by the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) for engineering and related programs.
Concerns regarding delays in the counselling timeline have prompted CENTAC to enhance the process this year.
CENTAC convenor Cheryl Shivan stated, "CENTAC is currently waiting for a government notification regarding the proposed 10 percent reservation for government school students in non-NEET courses."
While this reservation is already applicable to MBBS and other NEET-related programs, Chief Minister N. Rangasamy announced in the Legislative Assembly that it would also be extended to non-NEET disciplines.
Sources indicate that the proposal is in the process of being approved by the Cabinet.
The Chief Minister and several ministers have already signed the relevant documents, and final approvals are anticipated shortly.
The final clearance from Lt. Governor K. Kailashnathan will be issued through the e-office system, ensuring timeliness despite his physical absence.
Once the notification is published, the seat matrix for non-NEET courses will be completed, and the admission process will commence.
"Given the tight timeline, we will conduct engineering counselling alongside NEET admissions this year," Shivan confirmed.
In the past, non-NEET counselling would start only after MBBS admissions to avoid overlapping and multiple rounds of adjustments. However, due to time constraints, a concurrent schedule has become necessary.
The seat matrix for NEET courses is currently under preparation, and the draft merit list will be made available on the CENTAC website on August 1.
Candidates will have two to three days to raise objections before the final merit list is published. For non-NEET courses, the merit list is already ready, but the final seat matrix is contingent on the government's decision regarding the 10 percent quota.
"To optimize time, we have created multiple versions of the seat matrix, including options for students who attended government schools from Classes 1 to 12 or Classes 6 to 9," Shivan added.
Point of View
The simultaneous counselling initiative by CENTAC reflects a proactive approach to address the challenges faced by students and parents in the admission process. This move not only aims to meet critical deadlines but also signifies a commitment to enhancing educational accessibility in Puducherry. Such reforms are essential for fostering a more efficient and transparent academic environment.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the start date for the counselling process?
The counselling process for both NEET and non-NEET courses is set to begin in the first week of August.
Is there a reservation for government school students?
Yes, a proposed 10 percent reservation for government school students in non-NEET courses is awaiting government notification.
When will the merit list be published?
The draft merit list for NEET courses will be available on the CENTAC website on August 1.
How will the seat matrix be finalized?
The final seat matrix for non-NEET courses will depend on the government's decision regarding the reservation quota.
What prompted the change in counselling schedule?
The need to meet the August 14 admission deadline and concerns over delays led to the decision to conduct counselling simultaneously.
