Nevertheless, considering that forms were not available at Syndicate Bank in Pune — the lone distribution centre in Pune region — bank officials have decided to suggest the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) to dispatch forms a few days before the actual date of distribution next year onwards.

Last year, many students from Maharashtra appearing for AIEEE had to travel to far off places such as Andaman, Ahmedabad, Bhopal and Vadodara to appear for the exam. This made students think that filling up of online application forms fetched far-off examination centres.

As a cascading effect, Syndicate Bank witnessed utter chaos during the first week of form distribution in December. So much so, that police had to intervene to discipline the chaotic and unending queues.

“Till last year, application forms were distributed from Pune, Mumbai and Nagpur. This year, the CBSE that conducted AIEEE, started distributing forms in Thane, Solapur, Nashik, Aurangabad and Amravati as well,” said Eknath Kamble, manager, Syndicate Bank, Laxmi Road branch.

However, after media took up the case, students faced no problem in getting the forms till the last day on Monday (January 5). Now, students will get to know about their examination centre between March 10 and 31, when they will also get their admit cards. The exam will be held on April 26.

“Around 12,000 forms were sold this year from our bank, which is much less compared to last year’s 20,000 forms. With the addition of five new distribution points in the state, the load on Pune was eased this year,” Kamble said.