Team Herald
PANJIM: The two-year Masters of Computer Application (MCA) degree programne at Goa University has seen merely 29 students clearing the entrance exam. But what has triggered a debate is that the varsity has allotted only 31 seats which some students allege is reduced without prior notice.
The total seats for the 2020-21 academic year was 76, which has now drastically dropped to 31 seats for the current 2021-22 academic year.
“As per the provisional merit list for General Category, 27 students have cleared the entrance test while two students from Other University Category have made their way into the degree program. The total seats are 75 including Reserved category, who as per the notification dated April 12, 2021 will be shifted to General Category after completion of Round II admission. Now with the fee payment date already lapsed, it is clear that the number of seats will not increase from the current 31,” said a student.
Several students had answered the entrance exams held recently, of whom 122 are put in the category of “not qualified.” The students also demand that GU releases percentage they secured.
“The qualifying criterion is 30 percent of the total marks of the entrance exam. The question paper carries 50 questions of two marks each. It is unlikely that such a huge number of students will score below 30 percent. The GU should make the marks of all the students public,” said another student.
As per the GU notification dated April 12, 2021 a total of 75 students will be shortlisted based on merit; however; the confusion now lies with the ‘not qualified’ candidates. Moreover, the date of payment of fees has also lapsed. “If the list is provisional, then why is the fee payment date given as August 20, 2021. Likewise, the rejected candidates list is also released, which means there is no scope for a final list. Why is such confusion being created,” the student questioned.
The GU, owing to COVID-19, sought online applications from students seeking admissions for various programs.
Herald made repeated attempts to contact GU Registrar Radhika Nayak to give clarity on the issue and ascertain the facts but she remained unavailable for comments.
