IIT-Kharagpurs denial of GATE info contradicts facts

Updated on: Saturday, February 11, 2012

Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, has refused to disclose the names and scores of successful candidates selected through the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) to various M Tech programmes in 2010. The curious reason given by the institute to the Central Information Commission ( CIC) was that it did not offer GATE performance-based admission in various M Tech programmes at IIT- Kharagpur in the academic session 2010-2011.

The institute's response is in sharp contrast to the fact that the GATE is conducted by seven IITs and Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, annually for admission to post-graduate programmes in these institutes. GATE qualified candidates with bachelor's degree in engineering/technology/architecture are eligible for PG degree programmes in the same fields. Incidentally, GATE, 2012, is scheduled to be held on Sunday.

The argument came in response to an RTI application filed by IIT-Kharagpur professor Rajeev Kumar who is currently under suspension. Kumar had asked for details of the candidates - names, personal details and scores in the exam and the personal interview - who had been called for the selection interview in 2010. The information had been sought in August, 2010. In its response in September, 2010, IIT PIO Dr A Patra said that the institute did not offer ``GATE performance-based admissions in various M Tech programmes at IIT Kharagpur in the academic year 2010-11. Hence the information requested in your letter does not appear to be pertinent.''

In the hearing held on January 12, Kumar argued that the information was ``patently false'.' Later, information commissioner Deepak Sandhu directed the CPIO to recheck facts. Sandhu also said that if the institute's claim is correct, then the dean should submit a sworn affidavit to both the Commission and the applicant.

Kumar said that IIT was using excuses to shield information and had succeeded in withholding information related to 2010 admissions for the last two years. He added that GATE's popularity could be gauged by the fact that several PSUs had started appointment of their engineers using GATE scores instead of their own tests.

Times of India

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