The West Bengal Minister of Education, Partha Chatterjee recently said that undergraduate (UG) classes would begin on November 2 following the admission process for first-year college students by the end of October. While postgraduate (PG) classes would begin the following month. The decisions were taken during an online meeting held by the minister with the vice-chancellors of state universities.

Chatterjee told reporters, “It has been decided that the new academic year will begin in December. Till November there are several festivals. After Durga Puja in October, there is Kali Puja, Diwali, Bhai Dooj, Chhat Puja and Milad un-Nabi. So there is no point starting the academic year from November and then observe so many holidays on account of these festivals. Therefore, it is ideal to commence the new academic year from December.”

He added, “However, classes for undergraduate courses will begin from November 2 and the same for postgraduate courses will commence from December. Classes will be held in online mode and respective universities and colleges will chalk out modalities.”

While admissions to UG courses will be over by October 31, the admission procedure in PG courses will be completed only by the end of November.

The education minister said his department would write to the University Grants Commission (UGC), asking it to allow the state to start the new academic year from December.

Meanwhile, as per sources said the universities decided to reserve 80 per cent of seats in PG courses for students who completed their graduation in an affiliated college, or in the institute itself. The decision was taken because of the Covid-19 pandemic, and curbs in transport. As a result, many graduates may find it difficult to pursue higher studies in institutions outside the state.

Source: The Indian Express

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