Madras High Court Seeks Centre's Response on Controversial Maritime Entrance Test

The Madras High Court has issued a notice to the Centre regarding a petition challenging the Common Entrance Test (CET) conducted by the Indian Maritime University. The petitioner claims the test was poorly managed, lacked transparency, and disadvantaged students from rural backgrounds, requesting it be declared null and void.

The Madras High Court has issued notice to the Centre in response to a petition challenging the Common Entrance Test (CET) held by the Indian Maritime University. The petitioner alleges that the June 8 examination for the academic year 2024-2025 was unfair and improperly organized.

Justice Anita Sumanth also issued notices to the Directorate General of Shipping and the Indian Maritime University. The petition, filed by S Sidharth through his father, demands recognition of Sidharth as an eligible student for maritime courses despite the alleged discrepancies in the test.

The petitioner criticized the advertisement for the CET, claiming it was misleading and ambiguous about its applicability to institutions. He argued that the exam's administration, especially the sudden shift to computer-based testing, unfairly impacted candidates from rural areas.

(With inputs from agencies.)