PESHAWAR: With increase in the number of examination centres, the entrance test for admission to the public and private sector medical and dental colleges of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was held on Sunday in a managed and orderly manner compared to the previous years.

The Educational Testing and Evaluation Agency (Etea) conducted the entrance test-2018, which was organised by the Khyber Medical University (KMU), Peshawar.

The test was simultaneously held at seven examination centres established in different parts of the province, including Islamia Collegiate School Ground, Peshawar; Haripur University, Haripur; Grassy Ground Saidu Sharif, Swat; Gomal Medical College, DI Khan; Abdul Wali Khan University, Garden Campus, Mardan; Cadet College Kohat; and Malakand University, Chakdara, Lower Dir.

Over 38,000 candidates appear in the test; results today

Keeping in view mismanagement of the entrance test in the past due to huge rush of candidates, particularly in Peshawar, the number of the examination centres was increased from four to seven on the proposal of Etea.

A total of 38,062 candidates, including 23,460 male and 14,602 female students, appeared in the entrance test.

With increase in the centres in districts located near Peshawar, the number of students appearing in the test reduced to half in Peshawar, Etea managing director Israr Ahmed told this correspondent.

Over 18,000 candidates appeared in the entrance test for medical colleges last year in Peshawar, which has now reduced to 10,000, he said. “Now the test in Peshawar can be managed easily,” he said.

He said that three new centres were established in Cadet College Kohat, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan and Malakand University, Lower Dir.

According to a KMU statement, 10, 000 candidates appeared in the test at the examination centre established at Islamia Collegiate School ground, Peshawar; 5,402 students at Haripur University centre; 5,407 at Grassy Ground, Swat; 3,775 at Gomal Medical College, DI Khan; 6,792 candidates at Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan; 3,251 at Cadet College Kohat; and 3,435 at Malakand University.

The results of the test will be announced within 24 hours and will be available on KMU website www.kmu.edu.pk as well as on Etea website www.etea.edu.pk. Similarly, the results will also be communicated to the candidates individually via SMS on their mobile phones through specially prepared software by IT Section of KMU.

Talking to mediapersons, KMU vice-chancellor Prof Dr Arshad Javaid expressed his satisfaction at the overall arrangements for the entrance test. He said that increasing number of candidates appearing in the test showed a great trust in the arrangements and transparency of the test carried out jointly by the KMU and Etea.

The VC thanked the efficient role of Etea, KMU and UET staff, police, civil administration, authorities of the relevant institutions where the test was held, parents and candidates for their cooperation.

Initially, the entrance test was scheduled for July 15, but it was postponed due heavy rains in some districts then and later the new date of Aug 19 was announced.

Published in Dawn, August 20th, 2018