Student Activists Stage Protest Against GCAS Admission System at Gujarat University
Student activists staged a significant protest outside Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) in Surat on Friday, voicing strong opposition to the Gujarat Common Admission Services (GCAS) system. The demonstration, organized by members of the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), highlighted what protesters described as systemic failures that disproportionately affect students from economically disadvantaged and tribal backgrounds, particularly those residing in remote areas.
Demands for System Overhaul and Fee Reduction
The protesters gathered at the university gate with clear demands: immediate abolition of the GCAS system for the current academic year and restoration of admission authority to individual universities, as was the practice in previous years. Additionally, activists criticized the mandatory Rs 300 admission fee, labeling it an unnecessary financial burden that creates barriers for students from low-income families.
ABVP leader Ravi Mangroliya emphasized that his organization has been raising concerns about GCAS flaws for two consecutive years without adequate government response. "All private universities should be included in GCAS to reduce students' admission costs. If that is not done, the system should be abolished," Mangroliya stated during the protest.
Technical Issues and Administrative Failures
Students presented detailed accounts of last year's admission chaos, where the process extended through 33 rounds yet left numerous seats vacant due to persistent technical and administrative problems. In several distressing cases, admissions were cancelled even after students had begun attending classes, creating academic uncertainty and demoralization.
The protesters outlined specific reform demands:
- Limit the admission process to a maximum of three rounds
- Strengthen grievance redressal mechanisms for students
- Improve helpline responsiveness and support services
They reported that many students faced unresolved issues last year, with official helplines failing to provide timely assistance despite repeated attempts.
Police Intervention and Escalation Threats
During the demonstration, police detained several ABVP activists temporarily. Following the protest, the group submitted a formal memorandum at the Collector's office addressed to the Chief Minister, documenting their concerns and demands.
ABVP leader Yogiraj Laxman issued a warning that protests would intensify across campuses and universities throughout Gujarat if immediate corrective measures were not implemented in students' interests.
University Context and Government Response
VNSGU, which currently has approximately 300 affiliated colleges, serves as a critical educational hub in the region. Students have additionally demanded that nine private universities in South Gujarat be incorporated under the GCAS framework to create a more unified and equitable admission process.
A VNSGU official indicated that the government plans to complete admissions in three rounds this year, after which the process might be returned to respective universities. This potential shift represents a partial acknowledgment of the protesters' concerns, though activists continue to push for more comprehensive reforms.
