Reaching out: Engineering entrance test conducted first time in Swat

Previously students had to travel to other parts of the province to take their exams.

MINGORA:

Engineering colleges and universities in all seven districts of Malakand division conducted entrance tests for the year 2013 on Sunday.

Around 2,045 students took the exams, including nine women.

Organised by the Education Testing and Evaluation Authority (ETEA), the decision to conduct the test was approved by the chief minister last month and was piloted peacefully.

Candidates said a lot of their time and money was saved with the test being taken in Swat. “One of my sons sat for the exam the last time and had to spend Rs15,000 on his travel and hotel accommodation,” said Azeem, father of one of the candidates.

Saidu Medical College Principal Dr Taj Mohammad, who was part of the coordination committee, was also present at the venue with his whole team to ensure the process goes smoothly.

“We are here to resolve any problems that occur. The local administration has cooperated with us throughout,” he said.



Dr Khan Shahzada, an associate professor at the University Of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar, who was in-charge of the overall arrangements, said 30 of their staff members have come to supervise the test. “Initially, we were hesitant to visit Swat, but things turned out to be very different from what we expected. People of the area are very hospitable and friendly,” he said.



Manager Administration ETEA Riaz Akbar said since the first test turned out so well, examinations for medical universities and colleges will also be held on August 25 at the same venue.

“ETEA has the responsibility of preparing papers, scores and giving results. We will announce the result of today’s (Sunday’s) test in 24 hours,” he said.

Published in The Express Tribune, August 19^th, 2013.