THIS is apropos of Rehmat Nazir Baloch’s letter ‘HEC selection process’ (Aug 31). The writer has rightly condemned the selection criteria of the HEC in selecting candidates for the education elevation programme. The current selection process discourages students who pass the test, conducted by the NTS, with flying colours but have not secured good marks and divisions in the examination conducted by the Balochistan board.

I want to add that not only is the HEC’s criteria questionable, but that of many leading universities is also unjustified.

It is an open secret that examinations in the interior parts of every province (particularly in Sindh and Balochistan) are held in an unfair manner by allowing candidates to have easy access to cheating material. Even in Karachi many incidents of cheating have been reported in board examinations. Moreover, many instances can easily be cited where question papers have been leaked.

The story does not end there. All and sundry are aware of the corruption in the exam system. Despite the above-mentioned flaws in our educational system, it is ironic to note that a few renowned universities select candidates according to the results of their intermediate examinations. These universities conduct entrance test examinations but just as a formality. The minimum passing marks of such a test are 40 per cent, but if any candidate scores 90 per cent, he will be deemed equal to the one who scored 40 per cent marks. And if the former has a decent total in his/her intermediate examination he becomes able to secure his seat in the university. Such injustice definitely provokes thinking.

It is therefore emphasised that the authorities concerned should look into this matter seriously and revisit its selection criteria in different universities and in the current programme of education elevation.

DR SUMERA ABBASI

Larkana