Test repeaters create problems

Earlier, there was an option for students to choose the exam centre of their choice if they paid a late fee of `5,000 and `10,000. It was found that this facility was misused by some students. With this, Eamcet officials decided last year to allot centres for these students only in Hyderabad. Despite this, the increase in students paying the hefty late fee is surprising, officials said.

Besides, the details of students who have applied to regions other than their place of study/residence and those who have passed out Inter exams prior to 2007 were also submitted to police and intelligence officials for verification.

We can’t stop such applicants since there is no upper age limit to apply for engineering or medical courses. –– Dr N.V. Ramana Rao

convener of Eamcet

The other worrying factor for Eamcet officials is that of ‘repeaters’ who have been repeatedly appearing for Eamcet for over five years and those who passed Intermediate as long ago as in 1980.

A 50-year-old man, who passed Inter in 1980 has applied for Eamcet med- ical stream this year. Similarly, over 200 students who passed Inter between 1987 and 2006 have also applied for medical test. However, there are very few applications from such students for engineering stream.

“Since there are few seats for medical courses in the state and tough competition, students who passed Inter between 2007 and 2012 and applying for Eamcet again can be understood. But we have to verify those students who submitted applications again despite passing Inter prior to 2007. We can’t stop such applicants since there is no upper age limit to apply for engineering or medical courses. There is only lower age limit,” Dr Rao explained.

It was found on earlier occasions that the repeaters were making a killing by allowing others to copy from them, appearing on behalf of others for the exam (impersonation) and trying to leak the papers after collecting huge amounts from students and coaching centres.

Eamcet officials have decided to fingerprint and photograph all Eamcet medical applicants this year to check impersonation. Besides this, jammers will be installed in sensitive centres to check hi-tech copying using Bluetooth mobile technology. The Eamcet officials were forced to approach the police for help since the phone numbers given by many repeaters in the form were fake.