Calcutta University Pauses UG Admissions Amid OBC Quota Uncertainty

Calcutta University has temporarily halted admissions to its in-house undergraduate courses, awaiting a decision from the state government on OBC reservation guidelines. The delay stems from the government seeking legal advice from the advocate-general.

Although the university’s faculty council decided on May 20 to begin accepting applications for programs such as Food & Nutrition, Human Development, and Music—based on internal legal consultations—the process was paused pending an official directive from the state.

Most undergraduate courses under CU are conducted through affiliated colleges, while a few are run directly by the university. Due to ongoing uncertainty over OBC quotas, admissions across both in-house and affiliated colleges remain on hold, despite Class 12 results being released earlier this month.

The confusion follows a 2023 Calcutta High Court ruling that struck down the Bengal government’s OBC classification for 77 communities. The state later appealed to the Supreme Court and began a new review process. Recently, it sought further legal opinion before issuing any admission-related orders.

Education Minister Bratya Basu confirmed that the legal opinion had not yet been received. Without clarity, CU officials warn that launching admissions could lead to legal risks. Meanwhile, private and autonomous institutions not governed by the state’s central admission system have already begun enrolling students, raising concerns about vacant seats in government and aided colleges.