No word yet on paramedical seats, candidates in lurch

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In a repeat of last year's scenario, candidates seeking admission to paramedical courses are again in limbo. There is no word from the Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), which is responsible for the conduct of the merit-based common admission process (CAP), on when admissions will begin.

Sources said the DMER is swamped with admissions to medical courses, leaving paramedical candidates in the lurch. Classes for paramedical courses usually start in September/October. Last year, the admission process extended well into September owing to the confusion over whether the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test would be the sole entrance examination for medical courses.

"We are already into August, but there is still no announcement of a CAP for paramedical courses. The first round of medical admissions is over, and by now, students have an idea of whether they would get a seat in a good medical college or they would have to move to paramedical courses. But, the DMER's failure to make an announcement has resulted in confusion," said Girija Kumar, an anxious parent.

Rohini Kulkarni, whose daughter is seeking admission in the physiotherapy course, said a few parents had approached the DMER seeking clarity. "But they were vague answers. A DMER official even claimed that paramedical admissions are not their responsibility."

Candidates and parents fear that the admission process will now be handed back to colleges, thereby diluting merit. Dr Praveen Shingare, director of DMER, was not available for comment despite several attempts.