Entrance test costs Rs 8.2m to UET

LAHORE:Over Rs 8.2 million went down the drain with the cancellation of University of Engineering & Technology (UET) Lahore’s entrance test while the varsity is likely to face a loss of over Rs 2 million to reorganise the test in September.

The varsity had collected Rs 350 per candidate from around 41,000 candidates who appeared in the combined entrance test in different centres across the country for admission to engineering institutes of Punjab.

The test was conducted successfully on July 24; however, hours after it was cancelled by the university after it had received a tip-off that some part of the test was leaked.

Since the test has been cancelled, the amount spent on its conduct has gone waste. Apart from this, the candidates, who bought the leaked paper, also lost huge money as reportedly the paper was sold at Rs 50,000 to Rs 100,000. Nonetheless, the mafia involved in leaking the paper made a quick buck and earned millions.

According to sources, expenditure on each candidate was over Rs 200, thus around Rs 8.2 million spent on the entry test, which was later cancelled, has gone waste. And since the leftover amount stands around Rs 6 million, the UET will need extra Rs 2 million to hold the test again for 41,000 candidates.

Meanwhile, UET Lahore on Monday announced that the combined entry test would now be held on September 11, 2011 on the basis of already submitted applications and allocated roll numbers. Vice Chancellor Lt Gen (Retd) Muhammad Akram Khan told The News that the varsity would not charge any fee from the students for the September test as cancellation of the test was not their fault.

The VC also confirmed that Rs 200 were spent on each candidate during the test, adding now the amount would be borne by the varsity.

Sources privy to new developments said the varsity’s inquiry committee would also investigate some students who bought the leaked paper adding it would lead to uncover the mafia involved in selling education.

After the cancellation of the test, a three-member committee was formed by the VC to investigate the matter and submit a comprehensive report within a week.

Meanwhile, according to a UET press release issued on Monday, on acceptance of resignation of Prof Dr Saleem Abid Tabassum as Convener Admission Committee and Prof Dr Ijaz Ahmad Ch as Chief Coordinator Entry Test-2011, the vice-chancellor has constituted a new Admission Committee. Prof Dr Muhammad Ali Maud, Chairman Computer Science & Engineering Department is convener of the new committee while its members include Prof Dr Asim Lone from Electrical Engineering Department, Prof (Retd) Ahmad Saeed Sheikh from Civil Engineering Department, Lt Col (Retd) Farooq Ahmad Khan, Security Officer, Muhammad Asif, Controller of Examinations and Muhammad Awais Hassan, Lecturer Computer Science & Engineering Department.

However, sources claimed that the previous Admission Committee was in fact abolished by the Vice Chancellor and it was most likely that the former members would also be included in the investigation.The news.