WBCAP: CAP Brings New Course Selection Process

Centralised Admission Portal Introduces Phased Course Selection to Reduce Errors and Improve Student Experience

Undergraduate applicants using the Centralised Admission Portal (CAP) for the 2025 intake will now follow a new multi-phase system for selecting courses, marking a departure from the previous year’s method.

As per the latest directive issued by the state higher education department, candidates will be able to apply for up to 25 different course combinations across colleges and universities within the state. However, instead of accessing all 25 options simultaneously, students will initially be able to lock in only 10 preferences. The remaining 15 options will be unveiled one at a time through an interactive pop-up system. Applicants will need to confirm each choice by selecting "Yes" before the next preference becomes visible. This staggered selection process has been introduced to help students make more deliberate and informed decisions, minimizing the likelihood of rushed or ill-considered choices.

An analysis of the 2024 undergraduate admission data indicated that most students typically selected between 10 and 15 course combinations.

A department representative explained, “Students will still have a wide range of courses to choose from. However, when presented with too many options all at once, many tend to get confused. This change is aimed at reducing that confusion.”

'Improved user experience on UG portal'

According to the department, the new system is intended to help students apply more mindfully and avoid the frequent selection errors that were observed during the previous admission cycle.

Last year’s data showed that while most students opted for 10 to 15 courses, many also made repeated errors while choosing courses and institutions.

Officials believe that introducing a sequential interface—with reminders at each step—will encourage students to double-check their selections before proceeding, thereby reducing mistakes.

College administrators have also welcomed the changes, stating that the upgraded portal is now easier for students to navigate and has reduced the administrative burden on institutions.

Jaydeep Sarangi, Principal of New Alipore College, remarked, “Many students faced issues last year due to incorrect selections. This new approach should encourage more caution and accuracy during the application process.”

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