Now Reading: MHT-CET centres may be fixed by college PIN code to curb fraud
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MHT-CET centres may be fixed by college PIN code to curb fraud
Maharashtra’s CET Cell is preparing a new standard operating procedure to allot MHT-CET examination centres based on the PIN code of a student's Class XII college, a move that would end the option of choosing a preferred district. The Times of India reports the proposal follows concerns that candidates from Pune and Mumbai were opting for distant districts such as Chandrapur, Nandurbar and Gadchiroli, where supervision was suspected to be less stringent. The Hindustan Times adds that reports allege bribes of up to ₹15 lakh were paid to secure high percentiles at compromised centres in 2026.
Under the proposed system, students will be allotted centres in or near their college's district. Exceptions may be allowed for genuine reasons, with candidates approaching CET help centres for an alternative based on their Aadhaar card address, and for medical emergencies, with the CET Commissioner taking the final decision. The SOP is expected to be submitted to the higher and technical education department for approval within a week, according to the Times of India, and within eight days, according to the Hindustan Times.
Indian Opinion Analysis
The Times of India leads with the proposed rule change and frames it as a transparency measure, quoting an official on a level playing field and a teacher on reduced travel. The Hindustan Times leads with the same proposal but foregrounds the bribery allegations, naming a ₹15 lakh figure and the districts implicated. Both outlets attribute the plan to the CET Cell and report the investigation as ongoing. The Hindustan Times puts the approval timeline at eight days, while the Times of India says a week, neither article names any accused person or firm. The balanced reading is a standard response to an alleged malpractice: the rule change is confirmed, the underlying allegations remain under investigation, and the final SOP awaits departmental approval.
The next concrete step is the department's examination of the proposed SOP, which both outlets report as pending.
Coverage: 2 sources, 2 neutral
Sources (2): timesofindia.indiatimes.com (neutral report), hindustantimes.com (neutral report)
This brief was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above, so one read covers every framing they carry. Methodology and corrections.
