WBCAP College Admission 2025: Portal yet to open weeks into June, colleges fear student migration over delay

WBCAP College Admission 2025: West Bengal's undergraduate (UG) admission has reached a tipping point with concern growing over mass migration of students to neighbouring states as the state’s admission portal – West Bengal Centralised Admission (wbcap.in) 2025 – is yet to open even weeks into June, hitting the academic calendar. The prolonged delay has prompted the Jadavpur University Teachers’ Association (JUTA) to demand immediate action, while college principals warn of academic disruptions that could derail the entire semester system.

At an extended executive committee meeting held on June 2, 2025, JUTA passed a resolution urging the Jadavpur University to begin the admission process for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programmes without further delay, even as uncertainty over OBC reservation implementation persists.

“As there is no specific order from the Higher Education Department of the government of West Bengal regarding OBC reservation, JUTA urges the authority to publish the admission notification keeping the scope of OBC reservation open, with a mention that any admission under the OBC categories will be guided by the relevant order from the Court and advisories from the Higher Education Department and the Backward Classes Welfare Department, Government of West Bengal,” the resolution read.

WBCAP Admission Delay: Rural students bear the brunt

College principals across the state warn that the delay could have long-term consequences for students, particularly those from rural and economically weaker backgrounds.

“Parents are worried, but I believe that very soon this will be taken care of,” said Pratap Kumar Sen, associate professor of Bangla at Sister Nivedita College affiliated to Calcutta University. “We are hoping that the admission process starts as fast as possible, else it will be difficult to complete courses as per the semester plan.”

Navin Poudyal, principal of Pedong Government College, Darjeeling, echoed the concern. “I fear many of our students will seek admission in other states, like Sikkim. Had things been on time, the first phase of admission would have been completed and the second phase would have been underway by now. Instead, the portal has not even opened yet,” he said.

He added, “There will definitely be a delay of at least a month. With Puja vacations nearing, teaching will take a backseat. First-semester exams are usually held in December. Without adequate class time, it will be very difficult to complete the curriculum. Students’ mental health will also suffer due to the anxiety and academic pressure caused by this gap.”

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WBCAP College Admission delay: Mixed response

While most college heads expressed concern, others remained cautiously optimistic.

Saurabh Chakrabarti, principal of Bidhannagar College and a professor of zoology, believes the panic may be premature. “It is nothing to worry about. If we look back 3-4 years, the academic session always started in July. This time, the results were declared earlier, which is creating the impression of delay. I am confident admissions will begin by July.”

Shaishab Kumar Dinda, principal of Government General Degree College, Dantan-II in West Midnapore, is more apprehensive. “The online system is very convenient for both students and teachers. If the delay continues, completing the curriculum will be a serious challenge,” he said.

He said students from rural and semi-rural backgrounds, especially those in Bengali-medium institutions, need more time to adjust to English academic terms. “They require at least a month to get comfortable. We’re also facing a shortage of students in general programmes. Many are opting for private or autonomous colleges or even migrating to other states. We are campaigning in the villages, assuring students that our colleges offer quality teaching and committed faculty.”

WBCAP UG Admissions: Students in limbo

The delay has also left high-performing students anxious about their options.

“I’m waiting for JoSAA counselling and have also appeared for the common university entrance test, or CUET. I want to apply for undergraduate programmes in state universities too, but the portal hasn’t opened yet. I’m getting anxious,” said Oishiki Das, a student from Cooch Behar district who scored 98.4% in Uchcha Madhyamik.

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The state Higher Education Department is yet to announce a formal launch date for the UG admission portal. With classes ideally expected to begin in July and semester exams scheduled by December, the delay is putting colleges under pressure and students on edge.