Maharashtra Government Announces Offline CET for Class 11 Admissions

Maharashtra Government Announces Offline CET for Class 11 Admissions

In response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Maharashtra government recently canceled Class 10 board exams, creating uncertainty for students regarding the pathway to Class 11 admissions. To address this, the Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Education (MSBSHSE) has introduced an optional Common Entrance Test (CET) for admission to Class 11 First Year Junior College (FYJC). This move aims to streamline the admission process and provide a fair evaluation platform for students from various boards.

The CET for Class 11 admissions is scheduled to be conducted offline on August 21, 2021. The examination will take place from 11 am to 1 pm and will cover essential subjects from the state board Class 10 syllabus, including English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Sciences. Students from different boards, such as CBSE, CISCE, and international boards, are eligible to participate in this optional CET.

The Maharashtra State Board of Secondary and Higher Secondary Education (MSBSHSE) has announced that the optional CET for admission to FYJC will be conducted offline on August 21. This move aims to streamline the admission process and provide equal opportunities to students from various educational boards, including the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE), and international boards.

The MSBSHSE assures that CET results will be declared by the end of August, providing clarity and timely information for students and educational institutions alike. This strategic approach by the Maharashtra government aims to alleviate uncertainties surrounding Class 11 admissions, ensuring a fair and transparent process for students transitioning to junior college amid the ongoing challenges posed by the pandemic.

The CET will be based on specific topics from the state board Class 10 syllabus and will consist of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) in English, Mathematics, Science, and Social Sciences subjects. The examination will be conducted via the Optical Mark Reading (OMR) method and will carry a total of 100 marks, with 25 marks allocated to each subject.

Students interested in appearing for the optional CET must register online on the designated portal //cet.mh-ssc.ac.in/ between July 20 and July 26. Admit cards will be available for download online, and the examination will take place from 11 am to 1 pm at designated schools and junior colleges serving as examination centers.

The results of the optional CET are expected to be declared by the end of August. Students who appear for the CET will receive first preference for admission to FYJC based on their CET scores. Subsequently, remaining seats will be allotted based on merit, considering the marks obtained in the Class 10 assessment and the availability of seats in junior colleges.

While the decision to introduce the CET comes amidst uncertainties surrounding traditional board examinations, it underscores the government's commitment to ensuring a smooth transition for students to higher education. By adopting a standardized entrance test, the government aims to uphold fairness and meritocracy in the admission process, thereby providing a level playing field for all students.

In conclusion, the introduction of the Common Entrance Test (CET) for Class 11 admissions reflects the Maharashtra government's proactive approach in addressing the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic while maintaining the integrity of the education system. Through this initiative, the government seeks to prioritize the academic aspirations of students and facilitate a seamless transition to higher education amid these unprecedented times.