he Research and Technology and Higher Education Ministry is optimistic that paperless entrance exams for state universities will be implemented nationwide in the near future, with allocations for the computer-based test to be significantly increased this year.
This year marks the second time the ministry has implemented the computer-based test for the Joint Entrance Test for State Universities (SBMPTN), which is one of three available state university enrollment tests besides the individual entrance test, which is carried out by each campus, and the National Test for State Universities (SNMPTN), which uses students' academic record as a gauge for admission.
The ministry has allocated 30,000 seats for the computer-based test this year, a significant increase from last year's figure of 2,500 seats.
"From last year's implementation [of the computer-based test], we received a high number of requests from participants [wanting to take the computer-based test]. Students are more tech-savvy now," Ravik Karsidi, the chief organizer of the 2017 SNMPTN and SBMPTN, said Friday.
The registration period for the SBMPTN will be open from April 11 to May 5, while the tests will be held on May 16. Candidates must pay Rp 200,000 (US$15) to take the SBMPTN, while the SNMPTN is free.
Some 85 state universities will take part in the SBMPTN this year, with the addition of numerous Indonesian Art Institutes (ISI) and Indonesian Art and Culture Institutes (ISBI) in the country. The ministry also plans to include vocational institutes in the SBMPTN next year. (evi)
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