A staggering 7.17 lakh students from across Gujarat have signed up for the crucial Common Entrance Test (CET), setting a new record for participation. The exam, scheduled for January 31, is the gateway for admission to Class 6 in several prestigious state-run residential schools and for securing a valuable merit scholarship.
Surge in Registrations Highlights Scheme Popularity
The registration numbers reveal a significant jump of nearly 89,000 students compared to the previous year. This sharp increase underscores the growing popularity and trust among parents and students in the state government's specialized education initiatives. The CET serves a multi-faceted purpose, determining admissions for the current academic year and now expanding its role for future cycles.
Expanding Scope of the CET Merit List
Introduced in the 2023-24 academic year, the CET was initially for admissions to Gnanshakti residential schools, Gnanshakti tribal residential schools, and Rakshashakti schools, along with determining eligibility for the Chief Minister's Gnansetu Merit Scholarship. In a significant expansion, officials have announced that starting from the 2025-26 academic year, the same CET merit list will also be considered for admissions to Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) and Sainik Schools managed by the Gujarat State Tribal Education Society.
This move streamlines the admission process for multiple elite institutions through a single examination, reducing the burden on students.
Eligibility and Reservation Details
Students who have completed Classes 1 to 5 from government and grant-in-aid schools are eligible to seek admission to Class 6 in these institutions based on their CET merit rank. Success in the exam also makes them eligible for the Gnansetu Merit Scholarship, which provides financial support from Classes 6 through 12.
In an inclusive provision, students from self-financed or private schools also have an opportunity. They can secure admission to Rakshashakti schools by competing for 25 per cent of seats specifically reserved for them, based on their performance in the same CET.
Exam Logistics and Key Dates
According to the official notification released by the State Examination Board, the online registration window was open from December 2 to December 24. The physical examination on January 31 will be conducted on a massive scale across the state. The test will be held at 2,729 examination centres, further divided into 23,898 blocks to accommodate the huge number of candidates smoothly.
The record-breaking registration for the Gujarat CET 2024 signals a strong shift towards competitive entry for quality state-run education. It highlights the high demand for schemes like the Gnansetu scholarship and seats in residential schools, which are perceived as pathways to academic excellence and future opportunities for students from diverse backgrounds.
