Bengaluru: The Karnataka Examinations Authority (KEA) has launched a new mobile application, KEA Connect, designed to connect students participating in this year's counseling process with senior students who secured seats in the previous academic year. The app aims to provide a streamlined and transparent guidance system, eliminating the need for middlemen who often exploit vulnerable students.
Purpose of KEA Connect
KEA Connect has been developed to assist students in navigating the complex counseling and admission procedures. According to H Prasanna, Executive Director of KEA, many middlemen take advantage of students by charging fees for counseling assistance. The app intends to make the process hassle-free and accessible to all.
Mentorship Program Details
Senior students will act as mentors, guiding aspirants through the counseling and admission process. Each senior mentor can provide virtual guidance to up to five candidates. If a student is dissatisfied with their assigned mentor, they have the option to reject and request a new one.
KEA has reached out to previous year candidates from its database, inviting them to join as mentors. Additionally, a registration link has been circulated through engineering colleges for students to enroll in the program. Participation is entirely voluntary.
When mentees log in to the app, they will receive a pop-up question asking if they wish to apply for mentoring. The mentoring sessions are scheduled for a few hours in the evening, from 5 PM to 7 PM, to accommodate the academic commitments of senior students.
Current Participation Statistics
So far, 1,372 candidates have agreed to become mentors, while 1,724 current students have sought help as mentees. At least 89 mentor-mentee pairs have been successfully set up.
Additional Support Features
KEA has also installed chatbot kiosks in its revamped office. Students can ask any doubts at these kiosks, and the chatbot will respond in their preferred language. Furthermore, free Wi-Fi service is available for students visiting the KEA office for admission purposes.
This initiative is part of KEA's broader efforts to leverage technology and peer support to enhance the counseling experience for students in Karnataka.
