Calcutta University has introduced a centralised entrance examination system for admission to postgraduate programmes offered both by the university and its affiliated colleges. The move replaces the earlier marks-based admission model.

New Admission Criteria

Students completing the three-year undergraduate programme under the National Education Policy (NEP) framework will now be required to appear for a common entrance test to secure admission into two-year postgraduate courses.

The university administration stated that selection will be based on equal consideration of:

• Performance in the postgraduate entrance examination
• Academic results up to the fifth semester of undergraduate study

Background of the Reform

Calcutta University adopted the four-year undergraduate system in 2023 in accordance with the NEP. Under this structure, students have the option to exit after completing three years and pursue postgraduate studies.

Initially, affiliated colleges were expected to manage their own postgraduate admission processes independently. However, many institutions reported practical and administrative difficulties in conducting separate entrance examinations.

Centralised Admission Portal

In response to these concerns, the university decided to expand its central admission portal to include postgraduate programmes offered by affiliated colleges for the 2026–27 academic session.

The portal will oversee:

• Application submission
• Entrance examination procedures
• Preparation of merit lists
• Admission coordination for affiliated colleges

Appearing for the entrance examination will be mandatory for all applicants irrespective of category.

College Preferences and Seat Distribution

Applicants will be allowed to select their preferred colleges while applying through the online system. Affiliated colleges will conduct admissions based on the centralised merit lists generated by the university.

According to university officials:

• 60% of postgraduate seats are reserved for students from affiliated colleges
• 40% of seats are allocated for students from other universities

Candidates from outside universities will also be selected through the common entrance examination process.

Future Academic Structure

Students graduating after completing the full four-year undergraduate programme in 2027 will become eligible for the one-year postgraduate courses introduced under the NEP framework.