Student Uncertainty Grows as CAP Admissions Trail Independent College Schedules

While the state’s centralised college admission system (CAP) remains open, several autonomous and private colleges have already launched their undergraduate classes, creating a growing gap between institutions under CAP and those operating independently.

Some well-known colleges like St. Xavier’s, Ramakrishna Mission Residential College (Narendrapur), and Ramakrishna Mission Vivekananda College (Rahara) have started first-semester classes. Others — such as Bhawanipur Education Society, Loreto College, Scottish Church, and Women’s Christian College — are finalising preparations to begin sessions in early August.

St. Xavier’s commenced its academic term on July 14, while Narendrapur’s Ramakrishna Mission welcomed students from July 10. Scottish Church College held its first student assembly on July 19, followed by orientation from July 22–28, and regular classes starting August 1. Bhawanipur will conduct its orientation on July 28. Loreto, Women’s Christian College (beginning with an August 4 orientation), and Shri Shikshayatan are also aligned for August starts.

Administrators from these institutions say their academic calendars are fixed annually and not dependent on the CAP schedule. Nearly all seats are already filled — for example, Bhawanipur has filled 3,200 out of 3,500 spots, and Ramakrishna Mission Residential College has almost reached its full intake of 235.

Meanwhile, Jadavpur University is running behind the early starters but moving ahead quickly: the science department released provisional merit lists earlier this week, with classes scheduled for August 4. The arts department plans to begin by August 12 after publishing its merit list by the end of July. The university’s teachers’ association noted that decisions made to avoid OBC quota-related disputes helped speed up admissions.

At Presidency University, however, delays continue. Despite conducting entrance exams in June, results are still pending as the OBC reservation issue awaits resolution. Several college leaders worry that prolonged admissions delays may leave many seats unclaimed.