Deriving an Objective Criterion Contextualizing the Meaning of Lateral Entry Schemes

Lateral entry schemes are intended to admit meritorious Diploma holders to the second year/third semester of various Bachelor degrees in a given discipline. Lateral entry has been accepted as a mode of admission in principle by the Sri Lankan qualification framework. Lateral entry schemes have been basically introduced at medical faculties and agriculture faculties in a couple of universities in Sri Lanka. However, there was no proper review so far undertaken to assess the criterion adopted in admitting students. Thus, this study is to contextualize the meaning of lateral entry at the outset and reveal the level of emphasis given to lateral entry schemes in both local and international arena. A literature survey, desk review and an expert interview were conducted to expose a normative criterion of admission with a future direction.