The Education Department in Andhra Pradesh has announced the dates of eight common entrance tests (CETs) for admissions to various courses, starting from Thursday to October 5. This is despite the state witnessing a steady rise in coronavirus disease cases. "The entrance tests are scheduled to be held from September 10, starting with Andhra Pradesh Integrated Common Entrance Test (AP ICET), which will be held in four sessions on September 10 and 11," Education Minister Adimulapu Suresh said.
ICET offers admission to courses such as MCA and MBA.
Andhra Pradesh Engineering Common Entrance Test (AP ECET) is scheduled for September 14 and Engineering Agricultural and Medical Common Entrance Test (EAMCET) is to be held between September 17 and September 25.
Suresh said that AP Post Graduate Engineering Common Entrance Test (PGECET) will be held from September 28 to 30.
"AP Education Common Entrance Test (AP EDCET) and AP LawCET will be held on October 1 and AP Physical Education Common Entrance Test (APPECET) from October 2 to 5," the Minister said.
As many as 2.7 lakh students have applied for EAMCET, with a majority sitting in the exam for admissions to various branches of engineering courses, followed by medical and agricultural courses.
ICET received applications from 64,884 students, followed by 37,167 for APECET.
As the eight entrance tests would be held under the shadow of the coronavirus pandemic, the department is making arrangements for their safe conduct. On Tuesday alone, Andhra Pradesh reported 10,601 fresh COVID-19 cases taking the state's tally of cases to 5.17 lakh.
"Keeping the student's safety in view, the number of examination slots have been increased to accommodate fewer number of students in each slot," he said.
Likewise, all the examination centres will be sanitised with sodium hypochlorite for each session, with the provision of hand sanitisers, gloves, face masks, and thermal scanners for ensuring a safe environment.
Suresh assured the parents of students that all safety precautions are in place.