"This is how we plan to accommodate students who are affected by the delayed announcement of O-Net and A-Net scores," BU president Thanu Kulachol said yesterday.

This year, the O-Net (Ordinary National Educational Test) and A-Net (Advanced National Educational Test) scores are being used as the main criteria for university admissions. But earlier this month, the National Institute for Educational Testing Service (NIETS) twice voided the scores due to numerous errors.

The release date for O-Net and A-Net score results is now scheduled for Sunday, much later than the initially scheduled April 2 date.

The delay has forced all universities to postpone the application-submissions deadline for new students, but most universities are planning to begin their new semester in early June as scheduled.

Thanu yesterday said many students would be unable to start their new semester in early June because they would try to apply for seats at state universities first, and if they failed they would have no time to apply for private universities.

"So, we have prepared the plan to accommodate them," he said.

Through the special programmes, BU will admit students who submit late applications. These students will then undergo extensive courses and receive separate orientation.

According to Thanu, it is common practice for students to try to seek a seat at state universities first, because of their more established reputations and lower tuition fees.