Relief for students; only Rs 1000 as fees to apply to 10 colleges for nursing admission in management seat; notification next week

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Private Nursing College Management Association has backed away from its decision to require students to apply separately at each college by paying Rs. 1000 for admission to management seats. The decision came as a relief to thousands of students aspiring to enrol in B.Sc Nursing. As in the previous year, one can apply to 10 colleges through the association's website by paying a fee of Rs. 1000.

Association President V Saji and Secretary Ayira Shashi informed that the allotment will be done after publishing the rank list based on marks. The process for publishing the notification for admission next week has started. The prospectus will be submitted to the Admission Supervisory Committee immediately. This is after the University of Health has relaxed its stance that the affiliation will be renewed only if a consent letter is given agreeing to pay the GST from 2017 onwards. The governing body of the university which will meet tomorrow may consider the issue of renewing the affiliation of the colleges.

The university had approached the High Court questioning the letter received asking to pay GST. Last week, in the discussion held by Minister Veena George with the management representatives, it was clarified that GST is not applicable in education matters and its benefits can be given to nursing. It was in this situation that the association met and reversed the admission process.

About 2000 seats; 17,000 applicants

There are around 2000 management seats in 50 colleges under Private Nursing College Management Association. Last year 17000 people applied. There are likely to be as many applicants this year as well.