A “relatively easy” question paper in Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination (BCECE), 2012, has enhanced the selection hope of about 74,000 students who took the test at different centres across the state on Sunday.

The examination was conducted by Bihar Combined Entrance Competitive Examination Board for admissions into various professional courses in seven medical, six engineering and eight agriculture colleges in the state.

In Patna, the exam was held at 36 centres, including BN College, Science College, AN College, Commerce College, RPS Institute and others.

The examination paper was divided in total four sections — physics, chemistry, mathematics and biology.

“Total 200 questions are asked from the four subjects. While the questions on physics and chemistry are compulsory, the candidates are expected to answer either mathematics or biology questions depending upon the choice of their stream,” said Anil Kumar Sinha, officer on special duty, BCECB.

The candidates, meanwhile, are upbeat about their success in the exam. Shweta Kumari, an intermediate student from Sitamarhi, travelled three hours to reach B.N. College in Patna at 8am. The teenager did not show any signs of exertion as she walked out of the exam centre, grinning from ear to ear.

“I have studied very hard in the past few months and have tried to cover almost all the topics which are asked in the BCECE. I am sure of my success,” said Shweta.

About the question paper, Amreen Rehman, a candidate at AN College, said: “I managed to attempt around 105 questions. This time, physics and mathematics papers were easier from last year. I believe the cut-off might because of these two sections,” said.

Priya Kumari, one of the candidates at JD Women’s college, said: “I attempted 117 questions out of 150. The question paper was not that difficult. My preparation was not up to the mark or else I would have performed better. I am keeping my fingers crossed.”

Few candidates seemed stressed as the BCECE exam date clashed with other examinations. “I have just appeared for the BCECE examination and have to take the entrance exam for Kanpur Institute of Technology from 3pm. Though I am a little exhausted at the moment, I am sure the other will also go well,” said Puja Priya, one of the candidates at BN College.

“Total marks in this preliminary examination are 600. Based on the marks secured by the candidates, a merit list of around 16,000 candidates would be prepared who would take the mains exam. Finally, 4,000 students be selected for different streams,” said Sinha.

The results for this exam would be published in the coming 15 days. “We have received reports of peaceful examination from all 10 districts. The mains are scheduled on June 3 and the final result is expected by June-end,” said Sinha.