Srinagar, Jun 23 (IANS): Over 25,000 candidates Saturday sat for the common entrance test (CET) for various professional courses across Jammu and Kashmir, said an official of the board for professional colleges.

A Board of Professional Entrance Examinations (BOPEE) official said: "This year 6000 candidates more than last year are sitting for the CET that started simultaneously in Jammu and Srinagar today."

"We have 11600 candidates taking the test from the Jammu region and 14900 from the Valley. The aspirants are competing for around 4000 seats in various professional colleges including medicine, engineering, agriculture, forestry, food technology and other courses."

The official added that flying squads authorized by the Board were carrying out surprise inspections of various centres to ensure that exams are conducted fairly.

The CET will continue tomorrow as well.

Hundreds of anxious parents waited outside examination centres in the city to find out how their wards had fared.

"My daughter is taking the test for the second time. Last year she qualified for Bachelor of Dental Surgery (B.D.S), but did not join, as she wants to join the MBBS course. Hopefully she gets in this time", said a parent here.

Contingents of police have been deployed outside examination halls to ensure peaceful conduct of the test.

Reports from Jammu said despite the sweltering summer heat, candidates had lined up outside dozens of test centres since early morning.