Jagannath University authorities are planning to introduce dress codes for undergraduate applicants on top of a regular set of restrictions in a bid to check cheating in admission test.
Restrictions are likely to be imposed on wearing full sleeve shirts, socks and shoes for male candidates so that they cannot conceal electronic devices, including mobile phones, in their bodies before entering exam halls.
The university’s vice-chancellor, professor Mizanur Rahman, said the institution has plans to put in place innovative methods involving the use of modern technology as well as restrictions to prevent candidates from applying unfair means while taking admission tests.
“We will reach a final decision on this at a meeting of the central admission committee which is slated to be held on Monday (today). Whatever measures we decide on, we will publish those in national dailies,” he said yesterday.
Professor Mizanur said the admission committee would also consider the fact that some restrictions might conflict certain ways of dressing that are maintained for religious reasons.
“We believe such candidates cannot morally involve themselves in any act of cheating. But we will also take measures so that students cannot nefariously use religious directives to their own advantage,” he added.
University sources said male applicants are likely to be ordered to wear open-toed sandals instead of shoes while female candidates will undergo special checks.
Besides, usual restrictions such as bringing electronic devices and cellular phones to exam hall and wearing wristwatch will be enforced like previous years.
Changes are also likely to be introduced to seating arrangements while the number of invigilators will be increased, according to sources.
There were several sets of admission test question papers last year but the university authorities still failed to prevent fraudulence as 21 candidates were held for the offence.
The applicants were later handed over to police and the university proctor, Nur Mohammad, filed a case in this connection.
A total of 185,079 candidates will take this year’s admission test against 2,760 study places under six faculties, according to the registrar’s office.
The selection tests will begin from October 9.
