Presidency University Breaks Away from JEEB: Kolkata’s prestigious Presidency University, one of the oldest and most reputed institutions in India, has announced a significant change in its admission process for postgraduate (PG) programs. Moving away from its earlier practice of admitting students based on the Joint Entrance Examination for Board (JEEB), the university has decided to adopt a marks-based admission system. This decision, which will be applicable from the upcoming academic session, has generated mixed reactions among students, faculty members, education experts, and policymakers.
Presidency University Breaks Away from JEEB: The New Admission Policy
Until recently, Presidency University had relied on JEEB as a common entrance pathway for students seeking admission to its postgraduate courses in science, humanities, and social sciences. However, under the revised system, the university will admit candidates based on their undergraduate performance (marks obtained in qualifying exams) rather than depending solely on the external entrance test.
According to the university’s governing body, the shift is aimed at:
- Reducing dependency on a single examination.
- Ensuring fairness for students from diverse academic backgrounds.
- Giving weightage to continuous academic performance rather than just one test.
University authorities have stated that this system will also encourage students to perform consistently throughout their undergraduate years instead of relying on last-minute exam preparation.
Why the Change Was Introduced
Officials explained that the decision to part ways with JEEB was taken after several rounds of deliberations with faculty and education experts. Multiple factors influenced the move:
- Concerns Over Exam-Centric Pressure
Many students and parents had expressed dissatisfaction over the “all-or-nothing” approach of competitive entrance tests. With one exam determining admission chances, students from less-privileged academic backgrounds often felt disadvantaged. - Pandemic Lessons
During the COVID-19 years, when examinations faced cancellations and irregularities, universities had to depend more on internal evaluations and marks-based systems. Presidency University realized that continuous academic evaluation can provide a fairer reflection of a student’s abilities. - Level Playing Field
Critics of JEEB often highlighted that students with access to expensive coaching centers had an advantage over others. By shifting to a marks-based system, the university aims to ensure that academic consistency is rewarded over short-term exam preparation. - Autonomy and Academic Independence
Presidency University, with its historical reputation of academic excellence, has always prided itself on autonomy. This move reaffirms the institution’s commitment to designing admission policies that suit its academic philosophy rather than depending solely on state-level mechanisms.
Student Reactions: Mixed Voices
The announcement has sparked a wave of reactions across student communities.
- Supporters of the move argue that it will relieve students of excessive exam stress and reward long-term hard work. “Not everyone is good at entrance exams, but many of us perform well throughout our UG studies. This policy recognizes that,” said a final-year student from Presidency’s Economics department.
- Critics, however, fear that the system may lead to inconsistencies in evaluation standards across different universities and colleges. Since grading practices vary, students from certain institutions may gain an unfair advantage. “Two students with the same potential could end up being judged differently just because of the evaluation pattern of their respective universities,” argued a postgraduate aspirant from Jadavpur University.
Some students have also expressed concern over possible biases in marks-based evaluation, especially if internal assessments play a role.
Faculty and Expert Perspectives
Faculty members at Presidency have defended the decision, emphasizing that the university will adopt strict standardization measures to ensure fairness. They have hinted at the possibility of normalizing scores from different universities to maintain parity.
Education experts believe that this shift reflects a broader national trend. Several universities across India are experimenting with admission models that combine marks-based evaluation with aptitude tests or interviews. However, Presidency’s bold move to completely rely on marks makes it a unique case study in higher education policy.
Prof. Debasree Bhattacharya, an education policy analyst, remarked:
“This is both a progressive and risky move. On one hand, it reduces dependence on high-pressure competitive exams. On the other, it places a heavy responsibility on the fairness and standardization of undergraduate marks. Presidency must ensure transparency in this process to retain its credibility.”
Broader Implications for Higher Education
The decision could set a precedent for other universities in West Bengal and across India. If successful, the model might encourage more institutions to reconsider their reliance on competitive entrance tests.
At the same time, it raises critical questions about uniformity in evaluation systems across different states and boards. With India’s education system already facing debates about centralization versus autonomy, Presidency’s move has reignited discussions on the ideal balance between competitive exams and academic marks.
Government’s Position
So far, the state education department has not opposed Presidency University’s decision. While officials acknowledged the concerns of students regarding evaluation disparities, they emphasized that universities enjoy the autonomy to design their admission processes as long as fairness and transparency are maintained.
However, some political groups have criticized the move, suggesting that it could open doors to manipulation and favoritism. Opposition voices argue that a centralized system like JEEB ensured greater uniformity and accountability, while marks-based admissions could create room for discrepancies.
Historical Context
Presidency University, originally founded as Hindu College in 1817 and later renamed, has always been a pioneer in educational reforms. It has produced some of India’s most influential thinkers, leaders, and academics. Over the decades, the institution has often taken bold steps in shaping academic policies and practices. This recent move is in line with its legacy of innovation and autonomy.
What Happens Next?
For the upcoming admission cycle, Presidency University is expected to release detailed guidelines on how marks will be evaluated and standardized. Clarity is awaited on issues such as:
- How much weightage will be given to internal versus external assessments?
- Will marks from different universities and boards be normalized?
- What mechanisms will be in place to prevent manipulation of grades?
The answers to these questions will determine how smoothly the transition unfolds.
Conclusion
Presidency University’s decision to part ways with JEEB and adopt a marks-based PG admission system represents a major shift in higher education policy in West Bengal. While the move has been welcomed for reducing exam pressure and ensuring inclusivity, concerns about fairness and uniformity remain.
As the academic world watches closely, Presidency’s experiment may well shape the future of admission policies across India. Whether this gamble strengthens the institution’s reputation or leads to new challenges will depend on how effectively the university manages transparency, standardization, and fairness in its admission process.
External References (Authentic Sources)
- Presidency University – Official Website
- University Grants Commission (UGC) – Admission Guidelines
- West Bengal Higher Education Department
- National Education Policy 2020 Overview
Also read: Home | Channel 6 Network – Latest News, Breaking Updates: Politics, Business, Tech & More
