Calcutta University has decided to allow its affiliated colleges to independently manage admissions to postgraduate programmes, marking a shift away from the earlier centralised system.

Previously, the university controlled every aspect of the admission process, including merit criteria and the academic schedule. Colleges had little say in how students were selected or when admissions would take place.

Under the new arrangement, institutions can now determine their own admission procedures and timelines. They are also permitted to introduce entrance tests or other screening methods if they choose.

Vice-chancellor Ashutosh Ghosh stated that the move is intended to provide colleges with greater flexibility in selecting candidates and structuring their programmes.

In addition, the university has introduced a revised evaluation system for certain postgraduate entrants, where academic performance up to the sixth semester will carry equal weight alongside entrance examination scores.

The decision follows long-standing demands from affiliated colleges, which had similar autonomy until 2018. Institutions believe decentralised admissions will help them attract stronger candidates and manage courses more effectively.

Lady Brabourne College, for instance, has shown interest in introducing tests or interviews for students from other institutions, while continuing to admit its own graduates based on academic performance.

The university has also announced that a significant portion of postgraduate seats will be reserved for students completing their undergraduate studies after three years, with colleges deciding how to distribute the remaining seats.

Asutosh College has supported the move, noting that delays under the previous centralised system often led to vacant seats. The college may adopt different admission methods for internal and external applicants.

University officials indicated that autonomy had been withdrawn after 2018 due to concerns over irregularities in evaluation and admissions at some institutions. The latest decision reflects an effort to balance independence with proper oversight.