A section of parents feel that the State government must explore in right earnest the scope for carrying out single-window admissions in arts and science colleges through their affiliating universities.
Delhi University, for instance, conducts merit-based admission for UG programmes in its affiliated colleges under single-window system entirely based on the percentage obtained by candidates in Plus Two. Over 50,000 students are admitted to B.A., B.Com. and B.Sc. programmes every year based on their marks in Plus Two. Registration for UG and PG courses is done through a common registration portal.
Calling for transparency, Ramachandran, a parent, says the single-window admission system will obviate the need for students to apply separately for each college. All colleges must be required to display on their websites the cut-off marks in their selection list.
Parents are critical about the collection of hefty amounts as application fee by some of the arts and science colleges. A few institutions have been known to generate tidy amounts every year through sale of application forms, says David Livingston, Zonal Secretary of Tamil Nadu Government College Teachers’ Association.
He is in favour of a common merit list at the level of universities for applicants.
While the intention is lofty, the single-window system of admission may not work well in this part of the country where only a handful of colleges of long-standing will be in demand, Vice-Chancellor of Bharathidasan University P. Manisankar points out.
Colleges located in remote rural parts, for instance, have been managing to make at least partial admissions against sanctioned seats through extension of fee concessions and flexibile collection of fee in instalments. They usually attract local students from all levels.
Single-window system of admission may lead to eventual closure of such colleges, Prof. Manisankar felt.
