Aspirants outraged as Jammu University holds JKSET, LASET despite ‘road blockades’

Students from across the corners of region on Sunday blamed the University of Jammu for going ahead in conducting Jammu and Kashmir State Eligibility Test (JKSET) and Ladakh State Eligibility Test (LASET) for the academic session 2024–25, despite road blockades in different areas.

Students said that the Jammu University should have postponed the examination as many of them were not even able to reach the exam centers as they were stuck in traffic jams.

“I appeared for JKSET today in Jammu, & the exam hall was almost empty, only 9 students out of 30 were present. The rest couldn’t make it due to the disastrous road & weather conditions. Jammu University’s arrogance has made poor aspirants suffer unnecessarily” an aspirant said.

The test was held in 41 subjects with additional two new subjects Anthropology & Women Studies this year. Around 14,500 candidates appeared in the examination.

Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice-Chancellor, University of Jammu expressed satisfaction over the elaborate arrangements and commended the seamless coordination, strict adherence to protocols, and the cooperative spirit displayed by both candidates and staff.

Another aspirant said that there was heavy traffic jam at Bagnoti. “Aspirants of JKSET exam are stuck in this jam. The government should postpone this exam….road connectivity is totally disturbed how aspirants will reach their respective exam centres” he said.

To ensure accessibility and convenience, the examination was conducted at 55 centres strategically spread across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. This year’s SET stood out for its integration of advanced technological systems and robust monitoring mechanisms, underscoring the University’s commitment to transparency, integrity, and fairness in the conduct of examinations.

Prof. Pankaj Srivastava, Member Secretary, JKSET/LASET, informed that for the first time live CCTV surveillance was operational at every venue, enabling real-time monitoring by a dedicated command center established for effectively preventing malpractices.

Another aspirant said that despite repeated requests, University of Jammu went ahead with the JKSET exam. Students now say many exam halls remained empty. Those who missed the exam due to road blockades and heavy rain- who will take responsibility for their future? University of Jammu must answer”.

However there were some other aspirants who claimed that those demanding deferment of the exam should have given a compelling reason. A social media user said, “Those advocating for the deferment of the JKSET examination must substantiate their stance with compelling reasons. The examination authority has diligently addressed every candidate-related concern in a timely and transparent manner through explicit notifications, leaving no ambiguity. It is evident that the aspirants themselves are in concord with these arrangements. Hence, let us desist from demanding unwarranted postponements, extend our earnest wishes for their success, and refrain from directing disparagement toward the university”.

Additionally, biometric attendance was introduced at all centres, ensuring accurate and foolproof verification of candidates.

Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice – Chancellor, University of Kashmir also inspected the examination centers at Srinagar.

The University had also made special arrangement for all the stranded candidates in Jammu, Srinagar & Chenab Valley due to road blockade.

The post Aspirants outraged as Jammu University holds JKSET, LASET despite ‘road blockades’ first appeared on JK Newsline.