The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) , has this year too decided not to allow students to change their category from general merit (GM) to others while their document verification is in progress, disappointing over 4,000 students who were hoping to opt for a different category. Students in the non- general merit category, who didn’t mention their choice of category when applying for CET, will now have to select seats available under the GM quota and not get the benefit of reservation.
Category change was in the past allowed if the student produced a certificate issued by a tahshildar. But last year the KEA did not permit students to change their category even after they produced all the relevant documents. This year too it has directed its officials not to entertain any plea for change of category at the verification stage. The KEA’s decision has shocked students from marginalised communities who had opted for the GM category in their applications.
"We had very little time for applying in the midst of the mad rush for income and caste certificates. While the KEA gave us only a few days to apply, we were also dealing with exam tension. As I couldn’t get the necessary documents on time, I applied under the GM category to ensure that my application was not rejected. Then during my two months vacation I managed to get my caste certificate, but KEA officials are unwilling to accept it now,” complained one student.
KEA executive director, Rashmi V, justified the decision saying it was aimed at ensuring transparency in the admission process. “We have made it clear from the very beginning that we will not allow category change after receiving the application. This has been mentioned in both the brochure and notification. Scams related to seat blocking originate with the category change process,” she said.