KEA Appeals for Fair Review of Sports Quota Applications in Light of Recent Rejections

KEA Requests Reconsideration of Sports Quota List as Students Face Setbacks

One of the primary objectives of sports quotas in educational institutions is to encourage sportsmanship and talent development. The sports quota for professional degree admissions via the Common Entrance Test (CET) permits candidates to reserve places based on their athletic achievements. To be eligible, students must exhibit considerable engagement in national or international activities. However, the recent pandemic has disrupted many athletic activities, complicated the application procedure, and resulted in countless rejections.

The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has demanded that the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYE&S) reconsider the rejected sports quota applications for professional course admissions via the Common Entrance Test (CET). This move comes after several students and parents objected to the refusal of their sports quota applications. In a significant move that emphasizes the importance of developing sports talent in the state, the Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has formally recommended that the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports examine the present sports quota applications. This decision could have far-reaching consequences for the future of sports development and talent identification in Karnataka.

The quota aims to reward and encourage students who excel in sports. Eligibility requires a position in the JEE (Advanced) rank list and competed in national or international competitions in at least two of the three years between classes 10 and 12. A separate Sports Rank List will be prepared based on performance in specific sports. According to KEA, the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYE&S) approved only 26 of over 3,500 sports quota applications this year, even though there were over 170 seats available. Many applications from the current KCET-2024 cohort seeking professional course seats under the sports quota have been rejected because of a paucity of sports events in 2021 and 2022 caused by the pandemic. Events were rescheduled and combined for 2022-23 and 2023-24, which affected eligibility.

Despite having over 170 places available, the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYE&S) has only approved 26 applications. A parent expressed concern, saying, “This situation is unfair to students who are deserving of the quota but were impacted by pandemic-related delays in sports events.” KEA has encouraged the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYE&S) to reconsider sports quota applications by treating events in 2022-23 and 2023-24, which were frequently held concurrently, as independent occurrences. KEA has requested that the list of eligible candidates be amended by August 3 to reflect the review.

Editor’s Note: 
 

Considering recent modifications involving the sports quota for professional course admissions, it is critical to address the concerns expressed by both students and parents. The Karnataka Examination Authority (KEA) has formally requested that the Department of Youth Empowerment and Sports (DYE&S) examine applications for the sports quota, following the rejection of multiple submissions. With more than 170 seats available and only 26 applications approved, the mismatch has raised serious concerns. All stakeholders must engage in a positive discourse to resolve issues and ensure that the process supports and appreciates the achievements of young athletes. 

Skoobuzz hopes that a resolution can be reached soon, allowing students to benefit from the quota system as intended and strengthening the integrity of the admissions process.