Calcutta University is set to begin its postgraduate admission process from Monday, even before the completion of undergraduate sixth-semester examinations. The early launch is intended to help students make decisions regarding their academic future under the new education framework.

Mandatory Entrance Test Introduced

In a significant policy change, the university has made the entrance examination compulsory for every candidate, including students from colleges affiliated with the university.

Earlier, students from affiliated colleges often received direct admission opportunities without appearing for a separate test. Officials stated that the common entrance process is aimed at evaluating academic preparedness for postgraduate studies in a uniform manner.

Students Face New Academic Choice

The current undergraduate batch is the first group studying under the revised programme structure to reach the stage where students must decide whether to:

• Exit after completing three years (six semesters), or
• Continue into the fourth year of the programme.

Under the updated system, students exiting after three years may pursue a two-year postgraduate degree, while those completing the fourth year could qualify for a one-year postgraduate programme.

Seat Distribution and Merit Preparation

The university has announced that 60% of postgraduate seats will be reserved for current-year students graduating from CU. The remaining 40% will remain open for all eligible applicants, including students from other universities.

• Reserved 60% Category: Merit will be calculated using marks obtained in the major subject up to semester five along with entrance examination performance.
• Open 40% Category: Selection will depend entirely on entrance test scores.

Provisional Admission Before Semester Results

Since the admission process is expected to conclude before sixth-semester results are published, the university plans to release provisional admission lists.

Students who fail to clear the final semester examination will not retain their admission, as passing all semesters remains a mandatory eligibility condition for postgraduate enrolment.

Changes in Eligibility Rules

The university has also revised its eligibility timeline for postgraduate applicants. Previously, candidates could apply within one year of graduation. That period has now been extended to five years.

The decision was reportedly taken following repeated requests from students seeking another opportunity to continue higher studies after taking a break from academics.

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