West Bengal Delays Undergraduate Admission for Colleges Run and Aided by It Without Explanation

West Bengal's Department of Higher Education has extended the last date for undergraduate course admissions in colleges run and aided by the government to July 25, without explanation. The delay is causing uncertainty for thousands of students waiting to begin college life, as first-year classes in many private institutions are set to start soon. The admission process was initially delayed due to a legal tangle over the list of communities eligible for reservation under the OBC category.

The West Bengal Department of Higher Education has extended the last date for undergraduate course admissions in colleges run and aided by the government to July 25, without providing a clear explanation. This delay is causing significant uncertainty for thousands of students who are eagerly awaiting the start of their college life, as many private institutions are set to commence classes soon.

The initial delay in the admission process was attributed to a legal tangle over the list of communities eligible for reservation under the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category. The state government had prepared a new list of OBC communities, which was subsequently stayed by the Calcutta High Court on June 18. The Supreme Court is currently hearing a special leave petition on this matter, and a final decision is expected soon.

The uncertainty surrounding the OBC reservation issue has led to a series of extensions in the deadline for online application submissions. The centralised admission portal was initially scheduled to close on July 15, but this date was extended to July 25. This delay has pushed back the admission process by almost a month, potentially affecting the teaching-learning schedule for the upcoming academic session.

Many students and parents are grappling with the uncertainty, as the delay in the admission process has forced them to consider alternative options. Some have applied to private institutions or other states for higher education, while others are waiting anxiously for a resolution to the legal dispute. The state government has not provided a clear timeline for when the issue will be resolved, adding to the confusion.

The delay in the admission process has also impacted the preparation of merit lists for undergraduate admissions. The centralised admission portal has received around 20 lakh applications, but the merit list cannot be finalized until a final decision is taken on the OBC reservation issue.

The situation highlights the need for transparency and clear communication from the state government regarding the status of the legal dispute and the expected timeline for the resolution. The delay in the admission process has significant implications for students, parents, and educational institutions, and it is crucial that the government addresses these concerns promptly.

References:
[1] https://www.telegraphindia.com/west-bengal/kolkata/last-date-for-submission-of-ug-admission-forms-in-government-colleges-extended-to-july-25-prnt/cid/2113371
[2] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/west-bengal/west-bengal-once-again-without-explanation-delays-ug-admission-to-colleges-run-and-aided-by-it/article69818831.ece
[3] https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kolkata/amid-obc-uncertainty-bengal-education-department-keeps-ug-admission-options-open-merit-list-on-hold-till-court-decision/articleshow/122477525.cms