Seat matrix delay derails CET 2024 counselling across Karnataka

Time of India

2 days ago

Karnataka Examinations Authority
Departments consistently delay seat matrix approval. Full data is still missing, inevitably delaying the CET process ­
–KEA Executive Director H Prasanna
The delay in submission of seat matrix by engineering, medical, and nursing colleges to the(KEA) has raised serious concerns about the smooth conduct of the seat allotment process for CET 2024 aspirants. Despite the official deadline of May 23, over 650 institutions have failed to provide details of available seats, leading to fears of potential delays and confusion during the counselling phase. KEA had issued two reminders after the deadline, but many institutions continue to remain unresponsive.This year, 3.11 lakh students appeared for the Common Entrance Test (CET), of which 2.75 lakh have qualified. The centralized allotment process depends on timely and accurate seat matrix data, without which the schedule could be severely affected.As per the seat matrix data received so far, only 85,259 out of the total 1,11,294 seats across various professional courses have been submitted to KEA. This shortfall is causing widespread anxiety among students and parents who fear delays in counselling may hinder deserving candidates from securing seats in their preferred courses.An official from KEA said that engineering accounts for the largest intake with 79,907 seats, but only 66,254 have been reported so far. Pharmacy colleges have submitted 2,826 out of 3,227 seats. In Food Science, 329 out of 365 seats have been reported. Nursing colleges have reported just 12,970 out of 24,642 seats, and Yoga institutions have submitted 283 out of 408 seats. Agriculture has fared slightly better, with 2,168 out of 2,302 seats reported. Veterinary Sciences stands out as the only discipline with 100% submission—316 seats reported in full—while Sericulture has reported only 55 out of 72 seats.KEA Executive Director H. Prasanna acknowledged the delay and pointed out that multiple departments are yet to submit their respective seat matrices. 'Every year, some departments delay approval. This year too, despite repeated appeals, we have not received complete data. This will inevitably affect the CET process,' he said.Karnataka has a vast network of institutions—224 engineering colleges, 26 architecture colleges, 97 AYUSH institutions, 65 medical colleges, 38 dental colleges, 16 homeopathy colleges, 5 naturopathy colleges, 126 B.Pharm colleges, 38 Pharm D colleges, and 14 yoga education institutions. Each must submit caste-wise seat data to KEA to ensure a fair and efficient allotment process.Officials urge all departments to submit seat matrix promptly to prevent student losses.