Why we need MHT-CET?

The need for CET was greatly argued in early years of CET, and perhaps even now. The inherent disadvantage of essay-type exams and the sheer advantages multiple choice questions offered were strong indications to have a change over. Another practical reason to have this change over is that in Maharashtra, we have two classes of ‘Examination Boards’. The first is the Maharashtra State Board( of H.S.C.) and all others the non-Maharashtra State Boards (Ex: CBSE, ICSE, NIOS). There are differences in the syllabus, examination and scoring pattern of these boards. As a result, there was no common platform to test every student. Relying merely on ‘percentage’ of the student was not sufficient. Hence, the common platform of ‘CET’ was instituted. We very much need MHT-CET today! Admission to health science courses (in Maharashtra) were based upon CET rank of the student. Any student who wanted to enroll for a health science course in Govt./Corp.-run-college is needed to qualify the CET.(We are not considering the 15% quota reserved for All India level Entrance Exams).

It is noteworthy that MCQ are used as a means to asses the student not only in other states of India,but worldwide.It is one the most common forms of question worldwide,especially when cognitive skills of a student are to be assessed.

Just for your info,MHT-CET started as MH-CET in the year 1999,for admission to health science courses(in Maharashtra).It then consisted of 150 MCQs(read 150 marks), had English as an subject and worse,there was negative marking.

However in the next 2 years,the practice of negative marking and the subject English were both abandoned. CET now consisted of 200 MCQs(read 200 marks): 100 in Biology, 50 in physics and chemistry each.

From 1999 to 2007, there is a remarkable improvement in every aspect of CET; from the questions to overall management of processes like declaring of results and cut-off lists and admission procedures.