The Maharashtra government had announced last year there would be ceiling on the number of attempts one can make for clearing Maharashtra Health and Technology Common Entrance Examination ( MHTCET).

It had also proposed a cap on the age of aspirants at 25 years. The Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER) that conducts the exam had moved the proposal after receiving many complaints. However, both these conditions would not be applied this year as well. The MHT-CET would be conducted on May 12.

Medical education director Wasudeo Tayade told TOI, "Department of Technical Education (DTE) had some objections on the ceiling on number of attempts and age. Therefore, the eligibility conditions will remain same as last year." Attempts to contact technical education director Subhash Mahajan were futile as he did not take calls.

Interestingly, last year, Tayade had justified DMER's move for a ceiling, stressing it was necessary keeping in view the fact that a 16 year-old could not compete with someone who had completed graduation and crossed 25 years. The DMER office, citing statistics over the years, asserted that move was necessary as number of candidates competing with freshers was increasing.

The numbers of repeaters was also increasing with oldest candidate being 38 years of age and many aspirants in their 30s. It was observed that many students pursue graduation in other disciplines while continuing to attempt MHT-CET.

When the ceiling was first mooted in 2008, it has opposed by all, including students and parents, as no prior notice was given to them. When DMER again decided to implement it from 2011-12 academic session, the move was hailed in academic circles.

Interestingly, neighbouring states had introduced these steps long back. Tamil Nadu government had already stopped entrance exams while others like Karnataka and West Bengal had put a ceiling on attempts.

Shivaji Science principal Devendra Burghate was surprised by the decision to do away with ceiling saying genuine aspirants appearing after Class XII exam would suffer.

"How can you expect a teenager to compete with a 30-year-old? I believe three attempts are more than enough for anyone. There should also be an age restriction.," he said.