Introduction of a Unified Test for Professional Courses Aims to Streamline Admissions

The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) is preparing to introduce a common entrance test for all private universities in Karnataka starting in the 2025-26 academic year. This move, aimed at simplifying the admissions process, will impact the state’s 32 private universities, of which 17 currently offer professional courses. The plan emerged following a meeting with the Higher Education Minister Dr. M.C. Sudhakar and representatives from these universities.

A Unified Entrance Exam for Private Universities

Under the new initiative, private universities that offer professional courses will no longer conduct separate entrance exams. Instead, they will choose one of the standardized exams, including the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), the Karnataka Common Entrance Test (KCET), or the Consortium of Medical, Engineering, and Dental Colleges of Karnataka (COMEDK) exam. The Higher Education Department has recommended that universities consider adopting a single, unified exam as a step toward simplifying the application process and reducing the financial burden on students who might otherwise sit for multiple exams.

Minister Dr. M.C. Sudhakar commented on the initiative, stating, “Some universities have decided to consider JEE scores, others are inclined towards KCET, and a few prefer COMEDK. We are encouraging them to adopt a common exam.” In addition, the government may later explore a common entrance test for general degree programs at private universities.

Addressing High Fees and Standardizing Regulations

Another significant topic during the discussions was the high fees charged by private universities for professional courses. To address this, the universities have been directed to form a fee-fixation committee headed by a retired judge. This committee will be responsible for setting appropriate fee structures, with the goal of bringing uniformity and fairness to tuition costs across institutions. Dr. Sudhakar emphasized that each private university is required by law to fix fees only through such committees, ensuring transparency and regulation in fee structures.

For seats allocated through the KCET, which constitute 40% of the seats in professional programs, the fee will continue to be regulated by the government on an annual basis. This provides some relief to students and families who are concerned about rising education costs.

In line with its goals of creating a cohesive educational environment, the government is also considering a common law that would bring all private universities under one regulatory framework. Currently, each private university operates under its own legislation, which results in a lack of uniformity across institutions.