Presidency University Students Push for Entrance Exams Across All Departments
A group of students at Presidency University in Kolkata has raised a strong demand. They want entrance tests to be conducted for every department for undergraduate admissions starting this year. This call comes after the university's admission committee decided to handle UG admissions directly. Around eight departments initially planned to admit students based solely on their board exam scores.
Fairness Concerns Drive Student Demand
The Presidency Students' Federation of India (SFI) unit submitted a formal letter outlining their position. They argued that different education boards follow varied subject criteria and weightage systems. This creates an uneven playing field for applicants from different backgrounds. The students believe a standardized entrance examination is crucial. It would provide all candidates with an equal opportunity to qualify. Such a process would help select the most eligible students fairly.
One teacher explained the initial departmental autonomy. Departments like chemistry, life sciences, economics, astrophysics, political science, Bengali, history, philosophy, and statistics had indicated they would hold their own entrance tests. However, several other departments took a different approach initially.
Departments Weigh Different Admission Methods
Mathematics, physics, geology, English, sociology, geography, Hindi, performing arts, and the Institute of Health Sciences had opted to admit students based on their board marks. Each department presented reasoning for their choice.
Suhrita Saha, the Head of the Sociology Department, shared her perspective. She pointed out that sociology is not commonly taught in most schools. Therefore, conducting an entrance exam to test subject knowledge might not be meaningful. Her department uses a specific formula that combines marks from Class X and Class XII board exams.
The Geology Department follows a similar calculated formula for admissions. In contrast, Suchetana Chatterjee, a teacher from the Astrophysics Department, supported the idea of entrance tests. She emphasized that an entrance exam offers candidates a valuable second chance to prove their capabilities.
An official from the university mentioned logistical challenges. Departments like English and physics might actually favor entrance tests. However, the sheer volume of applicants creates practical difficulties in organizing large-scale examinations efficiently.
Alumni Association Adds Voice to the Debate
The university's alumni association has also entered the discussion. They wrote a formal letter to the Vice-Chancellor. In it, they strongly urged the implementation of entrance tests specifically for the physics department. This external pressure adds another layer to the ongoing admissions policy debate.
The situation remains dynamic as different stakeholders express their views. Students continue to advocate for a uniform testing system they believe will ensure greater fairness and transparency in the prestigious institution's admission process.
