Kolkata: A section of Presidency University students demanded that entrance tests be conducted for every department for undergraduate admissions from this year.
After the Presidency admission committee decided to conduct UG admissions themselves, around eight departments said they would admit students, based on their boards scores.
"As different boards have different subject and weightage criteria, it is important to give all applicants an equal opportunity to appear for the qualification process. For that reason, the examination process is important for the selection of eligible candidates," read the letter submitted by the Presidency SFI unit.
A teacher said, "Departments were given autonomy on admission module. Chemistry, life sciences, economics, astrophysics, economics, pol science, Bengali, history, philosophy and statistics said they would hold tests." Others, like maths, physics, geology, English, sociology, geography, Hindi, performing arts and the Institute of Health Sciences had initially opted to admit on students' boards marks.
Sociology HOD Suhrita Saha said, "Sociology is not taught at most schools, so no point of an exam to test a student's subject knowledge. We have a formula, combining X and XII marks." Geology has a similar formula. Astrophysics teacher Suchetana Chatterjee said, "An entrance test will give candidates a second chance."
An official said, "English and physics may be in favour of tests but given the large number of candidates, there are logistical issues." The alumni association wrote to the VC, urging him for tests in physics.