Srinagar: Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K) witnessed an overwhelming response to its undergraduate entrance examination on Sunday, with more than 17,000 candidates competing for around 900 seats across various undergraduate programmes, reflecting a growing preference among students for specialised and future-oriented education.
The University Entrance Test (UET) was conducted at 20 examination centres, including 18 in Srinagar and two in Jammu, recording an impressive attendance rate of nearly 94 per cent.
The entrance examination was held for admission to undergraduate programmes offered by the university across 14 disciplines. The large number of applicants comes at a time when several higher education institutions across the country are grappling with enrolment challenges, highlighting the increasing appeal of SKUAST-K’s academic offerings.
University authorities attributed the strong response to the institution’s emphasis on innovation-driven education, industry-oriented curricula and emerging interdisciplinary fields designed to prepare students for opportunities in agriculture, allied sciences and other growth sectors.
To ensure a transparent, secure and hassle-free examination process, the university put in place elaborate arrangements involving university officials, examination staff, district administration and police authorities. Strict confidentiality measures were maintained throughout the process, from question paper setting to its delivery and conduct of the examination at designated centres.
Vice Chancellor Nazir Ahmad Ganai, accompanied by senior university officers, including the Registrar, Controller of Examinations and Director Education, visited various examination centres to oversee the smooth conduct of the test and review the arrangements on the ground.
Officials said the university has increasingly focused on market-driven academic programmes and a modern pedagogical framework aimed at equipping students with the skills required to meet evolving industry and societal needs.
While Sunday’s examination covered admissions to the university’s undergraduate programmes, admissions to postgraduate courses and certain specialised undergraduate programmes, including Economics and Data Sciences, will be conducted separately, officials added.
