Members of the Students’ Federation of India (SFI) continued their sit-in demonstration at Kolkata’s Presidency University on Friday, demanding the immediate commencement of undergraduate admissions and timely publication of entrance examination results.
The protest, which began on Thursday, centred around the delay in announcing the results of the Presidency University Bachelor’s Degree Entrance Test (PUBDET), conducted by the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board (WBJEEB). Students alleged that the prolonged wait has created uncertainty and anxiety among aspirants seeking admission to one of West Bengal’s premier institutions. Speaking to reporters, SFI leader Bitan Islam said the delay was unjustified and could affect the academic calendar. “We are demanding the immediate publication of PUBDET results and commencement of the undergraduate admission process. The university and the WBJEEB cannot remain silent while thousands of students face limbo,” he said. Islam also called for the release of application forms for the Presidency University Master’s Degree Entrance Test (PUMDET), which is also pending.
“Both undergraduate and postgraduate aspirants are suffering due to administrative inertia. Presidency University must intervene and pressurise the board to expedite the process,” he added. Dozens of students have occupied a section of the university campus, holding placards and shouting slogans demanding transparency and urgency in the admission process.
While the university administration has not issued an official response, insiders suggest the delay stems from procedural issues between the university and the entrance board. The Presidency University, a historic institution known for its academic excellence, draws students from across the state. The protest highlights growing concern over bureaucratic delays in West Bengal’s higher education system, especially as colleges and universities aim to resume normal schedules following disruptions during the Covid-19 pandemic.