Commissioner Secretary Higher Education, Asgar Hassan Samoon, today chaired a meeting to review the status of online registration for Prime Minister’s Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS), and work out the modalities for counseling and awareness of students for the academic session 2017-18.During the meeting, Dr. Samoon appealed students to register for the scholarship program and avail the maximum benefits from the scheme. He informed that this year 2800 seats would be available in engineering streams, while another 1000 seats would be available in other courses under the scheme.The meeting was informed that for admissions under PMSSS awareness and counseling of students has started and the list of around 350 approved colleges has also been completed and will be uploaded on the website at an earliest.It was further informed that more than 17000 students have registered for the PMSSS for the academic session 2017-18 in the state.It was given that due to the overwhelming response of the students the All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) has decided to extend the last date for online registration up to May 31, 2017.The meeting was informed that AICTE has agreed to cover J&K students with Diploma in Engineering under PMSSS who secure admission to B. Tech and BE on the basis of merit through general counseling under the said scheme.