Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir Sunday conducted its Entrance Test for admission to 14 undergraduate programs. The examination, held from 10 am to 2 pm, saw approximately 18,000 candidates appear across 28 centres spread throughout Srinagar and Jammu.
This year's UET marks a significant milestone for SKUAST-K, with the university receiving a record 25,000 applications from 19,600 candidates for its undergraduate courses. This figure represents an all-time high for the institution. The increased interest aligns with a trend of substantial growth in student enrolment at SKUAST-K, which has doubled from 500 to 1,000 in the past two years. This contrasts with a broader landscape where many other colleges and universities in J&K are experiencing challenges in filling their available seats.
Furthermore, SKUAST-K has seen an expansion in its student demography, now attracting candidates from every state across the country. This development positions the university as a national institution, moving beyond its traditional regional focus.
The examination was conducted at 24 centres in Srinagar and four in Jammu. Srinagar's test venues included prominent educational institutions such as the University of Kashmir, NIT Srinagar, Government College for Women, MA Road, SP College, SP School, Amar Singh College, Degree College Bemina, Government Girls School Amira Kadal, DPS Athwajan, BEd College MA Road, Government Women College Nawakadal, Government Girls Higher Secondary School Nawakadal, Islamia College Hawal, Government Higher Secondary School Soura, RP School Malabagh, and Kashmir Harvard, among other schools.
During the entrance examination, the Vice-Chancellor, Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai along with Registrar, Prof Azmat Alam Khan and Controller of Examinations, Prof KN Qaisar, visited various entrance test centres across Srinagar city to oversee the smooth conduct of the process.
SKUAST-K has recently diversified its academic landscape by introducing new job-oriented courses designed to meet evolving industry demands. These include BTech in AI in Agriculture, BSc Biochemistry, BSc Microbiology, and BSc Economics and Data Science.
The entrance test for admission to PG courses, along with the entrance test for the BSc Economics and Data Science undergraduate program, will be conducted separately in the coming weeks. The answer key for today's UET will be uploaded within 24 hours, and the result will be made available within a week's time.