THE University of Sindh conducted the Bachelor`s Pre-Entry Test for the 2027 academic session in two phases, on Oct 4 and 11. A total of 8,676 candidates had appeared in the first phase and 10,807 in the second. The university reported having received 22,580 applications for bachelor`s, third-year BS and master`s programmes.

Conducting the test in two different phases has raised serious concerns about fairness and merit. The main concern is whether or not the two question papers were prepared to the same standard. If not, how will the university compare the marks of candidates who appeared on two different dates? The university administration must explain how the final merit lists are going to be prepared and what measures have beentakentoensure anequal opportunity for all the applicants.

Students deserve clear answers because even a small difference may affect their chances of admission. If accommodating all candidates on a single day was difficult, the university could have arranged examination centres in different cities and conducted the same test simultaneously.

This would have reduced such concerns.

Students right across Sindh work hard to secure admission to public universities.

Many belong to poor and middle-class families whose parents make sacrifices to support their children`s education. For them, a public-sector university admission is a hope for their better future. The authorities concerned should issue a clear explanation to ensure students`trustin the whole process. Besides, the university shouldinfuture considerconducting one test with one question paper on one day and, if necessary, at multiple centres.

Imtiaz Junejo Hyderabad