Behala College Seeks Calcutta University’s Nod for Independent PG Admissions

Behala College has formally sought permission from Calcutta University to manage its own postgraduate admissions this year, after receiving approval for autonomous status from the University Grants Commission (UGC).

On July 4, Principal Sharmila Mitra addressed a letter to the university registrar, Debasis Das, detailing the college’s intention to conduct its PG admissions independently. This correspondence followed the UGC’s communication to the university on July 2, confirming the decision to grant autonomy to Behala College.

In her letter, Mitra stated that since undergraduate admissions are already underway through a centralized system, the college does not plan to change that process at this stage. However, it is keen to implement its autonomy in postgraduate admissions, which are set to commence in August.

Gaining autonomous status allows Behala College to introduce new master's programs, as advised by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC). The college received an A++ grade from NAAC in March 2023, making it one of just four colleges in West Bengal to achieve this highest rating.

“This year, we plan to launch postgraduate courses in physics and journalism,” Mitra told The Telegraph. “If Calcutta University issues the official notification confirming our autonomy and our right to independently conduct PG admissions, we will proceed accordingly.”

The UGC has given Calcutta University a deadline of 30 days from July 2 to release this notification. With postgraduate admissions scheduled to start in August, the college acted swiftly to secure approval.

“At this point, it is too late for us to conduct undergraduate admissions on our own,” a college representative noted. “However, postgraduate admissions have not begun yet, so we aim to implement an independent process for those.”

One significant benefit of self-managed PG admissions would be starting classes on schedule. Under the current centralized system, PG classes often face delays.

“In the university-controlled admissions, classes typically start much later than planned,” Mitra said. “With an autonomous process, we could begin classes promptly.”

These delays are partly caused by entrance tests for students from other universities, who compete for 20% of seats reserved for external candidates. While students from the college are admitted based on undergraduate results, external applicants must undergo separate tests.

For example, in 2023, PG classes were supposed to start on October 3 but began only in November due to delays in conducting entrance exams. Similar setbacks occurred the previous year as well.

“If we are allowed to conduct our own PG admissions, we can hold entrance tests in time and ensure classes start as scheduled,” Mitra emphasized.

Santa Datta Dey, the officiating vice-chancellor of Calcutta University, confirmed receipt of Behala College’s letter and said that the proposal would be reviewed at the next syndicate meeting.