Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir today saw an overwhelming participation in its undergraduate entrance test underscoring a shift in student preference towards institutions that prioritise innovation and future-readiness.

The SKUAST-K University Entrance Test (UET) for undergraduate courses was held today, drawing a staggering 17,000 candidates competing just 900 seats across 14 diverse disciplines. With a remarkable 94% attendance rate, the atmosphere at the 20 designated examination centres -- 18 in Srinagar and 2 in Jammu -- was one of intense focus and academic rigour.

This surge in applications stands in stark contrast to the broader trend where many institutions struggle to meet enrolment targets. However, the keen interest in SKUAST-K courses is a direct result of the university’s strategic pivot toward market-driven, cutting-edge curriculum and an innovative pedagogical framework designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in agriculture, industry and other allied sectors.

To maintain the high secrecy and efficient examination process, SKUAST-K implemented a multi-layered, ‘foolproof’ arrangements. From the inception of paper setting to the final delivery at examination centres, secrecy remained the absolute priority. SKUAST-K officers, teachers, Centre coordinators and invigilation staff drawn from the institutions where examination centres were established, police and civil administration worked on tandem to ensure that exam gets conducted in hassle free manner. Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K Kashmir Prof Nazir Ahmed Ganai along with Registrar, Controller Examinations, Director Education and other university officers, toured the examination centres to oversee the conduct of examination.

Today's entrance test focused on core undergraduate programs, the admission to the university’s high-demand postgraduate courses, as well as specialized undergraduate programs, like Economics and Data Sciences, will be carried separately.