Mithibai And NM Colleges In Mumbai: Shifting Admissions Strategies From CUET To Board Exam Scores
Updated On: 16 February, 2024 By: Admission
In a significant shift, two prominent Mumbai colleges, Mithibai and NM College, have decided to opt-out of the Centre's Common University Entrance Test (CUET) for their undergraduate admissions this year. This move comes after the colleges utilized CUET scores as a screening test last year when board exams were canceled due to the pandemic. The decision to revert to Class XII marks is driven by concerns related to the misalignment of CUET schedules with Mumbai colleges' timetables.
Background
Last year, in the absence of board exams, Mithibai and NM Colleges embraced CUET scores as a means of assessing student eligibility. However, this decision had repercussions, causing a delay in the start of academic sessions until August, while most other Mumbai colleges had already commenced classes in July. This year, with board exams back on track, the colleges believe there is no need for a separate screening test.
CUET Challenges
One of the primary challenges cited by these colleges is the misalignment of CUET schedules with the academic timelines followed in Mumbai. Principal Krutika Desai of Mithibai College notes that the CUET schedule is more attuned to institutions in the northern part of the country, where academic sessions often commence in August or September. In contrast, Mumbai University-affiliated colleges typically complete admissions by the end of June or the first week of July.
Impact on Academic Calendar
Last year's experience of starting academic sessions in August disrupted the regular academic cycle for these colleges. Delayed by almost 50 days compared to their Mumbai counterparts, the decision to shift back to Class XII marks for admissions aims to streamline the process and ensure students don't miss out on crucial application timelines.
CUET and Maharashtra
While Somaiya Vidyavihar University expresses optimism about admitting students with CUET scores, Mithibai and NM Colleges highlight the challenge of late CUET results affecting admissions in states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. Last year, the majority of admissions in these states were already concluded by the time CUET results were announced, limiting the number of students who could benefit from the centralized test.
Looking Ahead
Both Mithibai and NM Colleges have stated that they are open to using CUET scores in the future if Mumbai University aligns with this system, and schedules across colleges become more uniform. This suggests that the decision to revert to Class XII marks is not a permanent departure but rather a strategic move based on current challenges.
Conclusion
The decision of Mithibai and NM Colleges to shift from CUET to Class XII marks for admissions this year reflects the complexities and challenges faced by educational institutions in aligning with centralized testing systems. As Mumbai colleges seek to streamline their academic calendars and provide a fair chance to aspirants, the debate surrounding the role of entrance exams in admissions processes continues.
The evolving landscape of higher education in Mumbai emphasizes the importance of adaptability and a nuanced approach to ensure a smooth and efficient admissions process for all stakeholders.
