On Founder’s Day, the Presidency Alumni Association called for a sweeping change in the university’s admission process, demanding that every department conduct its own entrance examinations to ensure that only the brightest students are admitted. The call, made during a joint celebration of the 209th anniversary of Presidency University at Derozio Hall, has sparked a debate among faculty and administrators about the future of undergraduate admissions.
Background and Context
Presidency University, one of Kolkata’s oldest institutions, has traditionally relied on a mix of board marks and a centralized entrance test administered by the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE) board. In 2024, the university’s admission committee decided to break away from the WBJEE and take charge of undergraduate admissions itself, a move that was hailed as a step toward greater autonomy. However, the new system has revealed gaps in how different departments assess student potential.
“When we were students, and across many autonomous institutes, admissions were guided by the institutes,” said Sutirtha Bhattacharya, president of the Presidency Alumni Association. “We are happy to see the university, under the current VC’s leadership, took proactive steps in this regard. We only request that it should be taken to its logical conclusion, encompassing all departments.”
With the university’s shift to internal admissions, seven departments—Chemistry, Life Sciences, Economics, Astrophysics, Political Science, History, and Statistics—have already announced plans to conduct their own entrance tests. In contrast, at least ten departments, including English, Physics, Maths, Geology, Geography, Performing Arts, and Sociology, have opted to continue admitting students based on board marks.
Key Developments
During the Founder’s Day event, the debate reached a crescendo as faculty members voiced divergent views on the merits of entrance exams versus mark-based admissions. The following points emerged as the crux of the discussion:
- Seven departments favor entrance tests: These departments argue that a tailored test can better gauge subject-specific aptitude and filter out candidates who may excel in general academics but lack the necessary skills for specialized study.
- Ten departments support mark-based admissions: They contend that board marks are a reliable indicator of academic performance and that logistical challenges make conducting separate tests impractical.
- VC Nirmalya Narayan Chakraborty’s stance: “During the pandemic, students were admitted based on their marks. We do not have evidence that they were not bright,” said the VC, emphasizing the need for a balanced approach.
- Historical precedent: Emeritus Professor Prasanta Roy recalled a 1970s admission test that asked candidates to write an imaginary conversation between Hitler and Gandhi, highlighting the role of creative thinking in admissions.
- Logistical concerns: Departments such as Bengali and English cited the difficulty of organizing large-scale tests and the inadequacy of multiple-choice formats for assessing literary comprehension.
- Institutional precedent: The Institute of Health Sciences has maintained a mark-based system, arguing that entrance tests do not significantly alter the quality of admitted students.
These developments underscore a broader question: Should Presidency University adopt a uniform entrance exam for all departments, or should each department retain autonomy over its admission criteria?
Impact Analysis
The debate has immediate implications for prospective students, current faculty, and the university’s reputation.
For students: A department-led entrance exam could mean additional preparation and potential financial burden. Students who excel in board exams may find themselves at a disadvantage if they lack exposure to exam-style questions. Conversely, a standardized test could level the playing field, ensuring that all applicants are evaluated on comparable criteria.
For faculty: Departments that favor entrance tests will need to allocate resources for test design, proctoring, and result analysis. Those that rely on marks may face criticism for not providing a rigorous assessment of subject-specific aptitude.
For the university: The decision will affect Presidency’s brand as a premier institution. A well-structured entrance exam could enhance the university’s prestige, attracting high-calibre applicants. However, inconsistent admission standards across departments could dilute the overall quality of the student body.
Statistically, the university admits roughly 3,000 undergraduate students annually. If entrance exams are introduced across all departments, the admission process could become more competitive, potentially reducing the acceptance rate to below 30% for certain streams.
Expert Insights and Practical Tips
To navigate this evolving landscape, students and parents can consider the following strategies:
- Stay informed: Regularly check the university’s official website and alumni forums for updates on admission policies.
- Diversify preparation: For departments likely to introduce entrance tests, combine board exam study with practice of past entrance papers and mock tests.
- Leverage alumni networks: Alumni can provide insights into the format and difficulty of upcoming tests, as well as tips on effective study plans.
- Financial planning: Allocate a budget for coaching or preparatory courses if entrance tests become mandatory.
- Advocate for transparency: Engage with student bodies and alumni associations to push for clear guidelines on test content, scoring, and eligibility criteria.
Professor Prasanta Roy advises, “While entrance tests can be a useful tool, they should be designed to assess critical thinking rather than rote memorization. Students should focus on developing analytical skills and subject-specific knowledge.”
Looking Ahead
The university’s admission committee has pledged to consult with all departments before making a final decision. A provisional timeline suggests that a decision will be announced by the end of the current academic year, with implementation slated for the next admission cycle.
Should the university adopt a uniform entrance exam, it may also consider integrating a digital platform to streamline test administration and result processing. This could reduce logistical hurdles and ensure fairness across departments.
In the long term, the move could position Presidency University as a benchmark for admission standards in India, potentially influencing other autonomous institutions to adopt similar practices.
For students and parents navigating this transition, staying proactive and well-prepared will be key to securing a place at one of Kolkata’s most prestigious universities.
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