KPT Mangaluru Introduces entrance test for diploma admissions

Mangaluru: For the first time, Karnataka Govt Polytechnic (KPT), Mangaluru, has introduced its own entrance examination, ‘KPT CAT', for admissions to diploma courses, following its transition to autonomous status.The first round of the entrance test was held this week, with 199 candidates appearing. The final round is scheduled for May 13 and is expected to attract more than 1,000 candidates, officials said.KPT, the oldest polytechnic in the state, recently became autonomous, becoming the country's first govt polytechnic to achieve the status after 79 years. Officials said the new admission system was introduced to streamline the process and ensure competitive selection as demand for courses continues to rise.Ravindra Mahabaleshwar Keni, a senior official at KPT Mangaluru, said the decision to introduce ‘KPT CAT' was taken collectively after the institution attained autonomy.The polytechnic offers three-year diploma programmes in eight disciplines and has 520 seats for the current academic year. Around 1,200 applications have already been issued. The entrance test will also apply to candidates seeking admission to evening batches, for which two courses are offered.