CET likely to replace intermediate marks for degree admissions in Telangana

State government is considering a shift from intermediate marks-based admission system to a centralised entrance examination. The entrance test, which may be on the lines of the Common University Entrance Test conducted for UG admissions to Central universities, is likely to be rolled out from 2027-28

Hyderabad: Intermediate students may soon have to take a common entrance test (CET) for admissions to conventional undergraduate programmes offered by different universities in the State. The State government is considering a shift from the current intermediate marks-based admission system to a centralised entrance examination.

The entrance test, on the lines of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG conducted by the National Testing Agency for undergraduate admissions to the Central universities, is likely to be rolled out from the academic year 2027-28.

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Confirming the preparations for the entrance test, a senior Higher Education Department official said the roll out will not be possible for the forthcoming academic year. “But, there are plans to introduce it for the academic session 2027-28,” the official said.

At present, first-year degree seats are filled through the Degree Online Services, Telangana (DOST) based on the merit secured in the Intermediate Public Examinations, and course and college preference exercised by students. The Telangana Council of Higher Education and Commissionerate of Collegiate Education hold the web-based admission counselling process.

If the government approves the entrance test, the current Intermediate merit-based degree admissions will be discontinued. Instead, merit in the entrance exam and reservation will be taken as criteria for admissions to degree programmes. The entrance test will be in addition to the existing DOST web-based counselling.

As per the proposal, a DOST notification will be released inviting online applications from students and faculty-wise examination conducted followed by results and rank list. Based on the merit, DOST web-based counselling will be held and seats allotted.

Meanwhile, the introduction of an entrance test, as per officials, might help regulate 58 non-DOST colleges, which have been holding their own admissions. Students and student organisations have alleged that these do not follow reservation policies, and some even fail to pay fees to universities.

The State government is already holding various common entrance tests such as Telangana Engineering, Agriculture and Pharmacy Common Entrance Test (TG EAPCET) for admissions to undergraduate professional programmes, including BTech and BPharmacy.