Private professional colleges in the city are under the spotlight as the state common entrance test (CET) cell has taken a strong stance on admissions granted under the management quota for degree and post-graduate courses. The cell’s commissioner, Mahendra Warbhuvan, issued a directive stating that admissions found to have irregularities will be nullified.
This move comes in response to complaints from concerned parents and student organizations who have raised questions about the fairness of the admissions process.
Commissioner Warbhuvan explained, “The directive explicitly states that if it is proven that an admission is unlawful, it will be revoked by the regulatory authority. Additionally, according to CET Cell regulations, institutions must offer admissions under the institution-level quota after the centralised admission process (CAP) rounds.”
“Furthermore, it is mandatory for colleges to publish both the CAP round results, including the selection list, on their official websites and notice boards. A dedicated committee will thoroughly examine all admissions made under the management quota, along with related advertisements and merit lists. Any college or institute found to have violated admission rules will face penalties, and all illicit admissions will be invalidated.”
The admission process for professional courses such as engineering, pharmacy, MBA, and MCA involves CAP rounds. After 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, allege that while priority should be given to high-scoring students, some colleges allegedly offer direct admissions to those who make substantial donations, thereby sidelining thousands of deserving candidates.
Multiple complaints from concerned parties prompted the state CET cell and the Directorate of Technical Education (DTE) to intervene and curb such practices, particularly in prestigious institutions.
Kalpesh Yadav, Joint Secretary of Yuva Sena, said, “Despite the first CAP round being incomplete, certain renowned colleges in Pune have begun institution-level admissions by accepting donations. This is essentially an education business, complete with rate cards for management quota admissions.”
Yadav continued, “We reported this violation to the DTE and state CET cell, who took the matter seriously and issued the directive. This will undoubtedly bring immense relief to both parents and students.”
Vinod Mohitkar, the Director of DTE, confirmed the issuance of the order for a comprehensive review of admissions under the management quota. He stated, “Any concerns regarding admissions at the institution and college level for professional courses will be thoroughly reviewed. We will ensure that admissions adhere to the guidelines outlined in Rule 13 of the Maharashtra Unaided Private Vocational Educational Institutions Regulation of Admissions to Full-Time Vocational Pre-Graduate Technical Courses Rules, 2017. We are committed to effective oversight of the process at the DTE level.”
