LARKANA: As many as 1,300 candidates has taken pre-entry test on Saturday for admission to the faculties of Social Sciences and Humanities, Engineering and Technology, and Agriculture in academic year 2024-25 in the nascent University of Larkano. It was the first pre-entry test conducted by the university after its establishment. On the first day of the test a day before, 500 students sat the exam and on the second day on Saturday, 800 aspirants sat the test to make it among the 600 shortlisted candidates to be accepted in the three disciplines, said Prof Khalil Jibran. The university set up three state-of-the-art computer labs to facilitate smooth execution of the test and a robust verification process was put in place to confirm identity of all candidates before they entered the test centres, while a vigilant team was overseeing the testing process, ensuring fairness and maintaining integrity of the exam, said a press release. The university’s vice chancellor Prof Dr Mohammad Usman Keerio praised the varsity management, staff and students for their role in ensuring a smooth and hassle-free test. He expressed his satisfaction over the conduct of the test and the efforts put in by the university’s teams. “The University of Larkano is committed to upholding the highest standards of academic excellence, and today’s test reflected that commitment,” said the VC, adding that “our priority is to ensure a transparent, merit-based, and secure testing environment”. He said: “I commend the efforts of every individual involved in this process, from the management committee to the technical staff, for their dedication to making this a success,” he said. “We have adopted modern methodologies and strategies to facilitate a seamless experience for all candidates, and the results speak for themselves,” he said. Dr Keerio emphasised the importance of the test as it was a gateway for students to embark upon their academic journeys.