JAMSHORO: The entry test for admission in the Center of Excellence for Art and Design (CEAD) in Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET) was conducted on Saturday in Jamshoro. According to a press statement, 470 candidates from different parts of the country competed in the test for the total 155 seats including 50 percent reserved quota for students from Sindh. MUET Vice-chancellor (VC) Prof Dr Muhammad Aslam Uqaili, Pro Vice-chancellor Prof Dr Tauha Hussain Ali, Architecture and Civil Engineering department Dean Prof Dr Khan Muhammad Brohi, CEAD Director Prof Dr Bhai Khan Shar, Sindh Agriculture University VC, Tandojam, Prof Dr Mujeeb-ud-Din Sehrai, MUET Finance Director Engr. Munir Ahmad Shaikh, Engr. Suhail Ahmed Khatian and other officials paid a visit to the examination center at the CEAD department to review overall arrangement. The center had formed 19 separate committees to serve the tasks of invigilation, slip checking, digital and mass media coordination, transport, water, tea and food distribution. Speaking to the media, MUET VC Prof Dr Muhammad Aslam Uqaili said that previously students used to concentrate in the fields of science, technology, mathematics and engineering, but now such dimensions have evolved, and have attracted students to include art as their primary field. He said that the number of students at CEAD has been growing exponentially, and this year 25 percent more candidates have applied for the entry test. The VC said that the intermediate boards used to delay in results announcement, causing disturbance in various academic activities in the universities, and urged government to take effective measures to resolve such issues. Dr Uqaili said that there were limited seats in every university and every candidate could not be accommodated, and understanding the situation students must not be disappointed and try to work hard for other options. He said that art could bring creativity and innovation in certain aspects for development of the society. CEAD Director Prof Dr Bhai Khan Shar said that the entry test process was sensitive so the authorities had to make it as much transparent as possible. He said that they would never compromise on the university’s credibility, and would select brilliant students on merit basis. A separate seating arrangement was made for parents of candidates, where they were shown documentaries regarding history, activities and performance of the center. Published in Daily Times, September 7th 2018.