K'taka govt to tweak sports quota norms under CET

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: In response to concerns about the misuse of sports quotas, and following recommendations from the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports, the Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has approved modifications to the rules governing sports quotas for the Common Entrance Test (CET) examinations for professional courses starting from the next year.

 The sports department has issued a comprehensive set of new regulations that necessitate students to have actively engaged in sporting activities over three financial years, including the year they appear for the CET.

Among these, the admissions under the sports quota will be based on the two best sporting performances. The prior criteria had provided reservation for students participating in sports from Classes 8 to 12.

This decision emerged from the Governing Council meeting of the KEA, which was chaired by Higher Education Minister Dr. MC Sudhakar.

The decision aims to align the sports quota rules with those outlined in the 2006 regulations.

The KEA's deliberations considered instances of students discontinuing sports after Class 8 and some taking up less popular sports like diving and handball, among others, to take advantage of the sports quota, consequently affecting the opportunities for genuine athletes.

Under the newly established rules, winning gold medals in the Olympics or Paralympics will accrue the maximum of 100 points during the consideration for the sports quota.

Participation in these events will secure 97 points. Medals or participation in world cups, world championships, Asian games, and Commonwealth games will also be taken into account.

Even sports not featured in the Olympics, Asian Games, and Commonwealth Games will be considered, albeit with the lowest points.