WBCAP 2025 Admissions: Over 6.6 Lakh UG Seats Remain Vacant; Third Round Counselling Expected Soon

More than 70 per cent of undergraduate seats in state-run and state-aided colleges across West Bengal remain vacant after two rounds of counselling under the West Bengal Common Admission Portal (WBCAP) 2025.

According to official data, of the 9,36,215 total seats, 4,21,301 lakh candidates had registered in the centralised admission portal, only 2,69,777 got admitted, leaving over 6.6 lakh seats unfilled. In comparison, last year, 4.44 lakh seats were filled, he added. In the first phase of counselling, 2.30 lakh students were enrolled, while in the second phase, over 39,000 students got admitted.

WBCAP 2025 Admissions: Low Seat Fill Rate Raises Concerns

This year, the West Bengal government introduced a single-window online admission system for undergraduate courses to ensure transparency and uniformity. However, the move has not met expectations, as only 28.81% of seats have been filled so far. Principals said the new model confused applicants since, unlike earlier years, they could not apply directly to multiple colleges, limiting choices and flexibility.

The admission process was further delayed due to a legal dispute over the OBC reservation list. A Calcutta High Court order questioning the inclusion of certain castes stalled admissions, and though the Supreme Court later stayed the order, the uncertainty discouraged many students, who opted for private or autonomous colleges instead.

As a result, many top institutions are facing high vacancies. For example, Lady Brabourne College has nearly half of its 630 seats unfilled, with courses like Economics and Statistics witnessing very low demand. Authorities say more students are still showing interest, but under the centralised system, colleges cannot admit them directly without state approval.

High Vacancies Push Demand for Third Round of WBCAP Counselling

The West Bengal College and University Teachers’ Association (WBCUTA) has criticised both state and central policies, saying they are weakening publicly funded higher education. “Such delays and policy uncertainties are driving students towards private colleges,” a member of the association said.

Officials are reportedly considering conducting a third round of counselling to fill at least some of the remaining seats. Another proposal under discussion is to allow colleges to conduct direct admissions for vacant seats, though no final decision has been announced.

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