Sat May 31 05:04:22 UTC 2025: **Summary:**
The centralized admission portal for government-aided colleges in West Bengal remains closed, affecting over 400,000 students. The delay stems from an ongoing legal dispute in the Supreme Court regarding OBC reservations, which arose after the Calcutta High Court revoked OBC status for 77 communities in May 2024. While the Education Minister assures a quick resolution, the delay disproportionately impacts underprivileged students who rely on public institutions for higher education. Academics express concern about the stress and missed opportunities for students due to the uncertainty.
**News Article:**
**West Bengal College Admissions in Limbo: OBC Reservation Dispute Leaves 400,000 Students Waiting**
**Kolkata, May 31, 2025** – Hundreds of thousands of students in West Bengal are facing an uncertain future as the centralized admission portal for state-run and aided colleges remains inaccessible. The delay is a direct consequence of a pending Supreme Court hearing concerning reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBC) candidates.
The Calcutta High Court’s decision in May 2024 to remove OBC status from 77 communities triggered the legal battle. The state government’s appeal to the Supreme Court has resulted in a prolonged wait, leaving over 400,000 higher secondary graduates in limbo.
While private and autonomous colleges have already commenced their admission processes, students dependent on government institutions are left anxiously awaiting the opening of the centralized portal, which was launched just last year.
State Education Minister Bratya Basu maintains that the legal complexities will not impede the admission process and promises a swift resolution. However, academics express growing concern about the disproportionate impact on underprivileged students.
“This delay only marginalizes underprivileged students who get their higher education in public institutions,” said Samata Biswas, a professor at Sanskrit College and University. “Autonomous colleges and more expensive private institutes are carrying out their admission processes without any hitch.”
Concerns have also been raised about the stress and missed opportunities, such as scholarships, that students face due to the prolonged delay. “This delay must be causing significant stress to students and their families, particularly those facing financial strain as they adjust budgets and postpone commitments,” said a teacher at Asutosh College, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The Supreme Court hearing is expected to take place in July. Until then, the future of West Bengal’s aspiring college students hangs in the balance.
First Piper 