Panjab University admission process leaves students stumped

CHANDIGARH: Amisha Chandel reached the single window inquiry at 1pm after filling the online admission form at a cyber cafe on the campus for enrolment in Panjab University. But after filling the form, she was mystified about the fact that the person at the cyber café did not give her a hard copy. Confused, she had to go to the enquiry window to ask if a hard copy is required. Many students applying for seats in Panjab University face a similar situation.

“I filled the online application form at a cyber café on campus. I asked for a hard copy but they said it would be available after June 23. I don’t know whether to submit a hard copy or not and if yes, where to submit it. I paid the cyber café owner Rs 320 to apply for one course but I have no record of my application form,” said Rai, who wanted to enroll for BCom.

Another student, Vishakha Rai said the cyber café employee gave a login id and password, which turned out to be wrong. The employee had given a Gmail user id to the candidate, who does not even have a Gmail account.

Another student, Sakshi Sharma, who had come from Himachal, also wanted to ask where to submit the hard copy of the form. “I feel the online admission process is hassle-free but there are a few problems. We don’t know whether to submit the hard copy or not,” she said. Hardeep Singh, a student from Mohali, said he had no idea of the procedure and had to apply through cyber cafes.

Panjab University introduced the cloud-based online admission system last year. The process was meant to be completely online but owing to some technical glitches, the University asked candidates to submit hard copies of application forms to the respective departments they had applied for.

BOX: Hard copy required or not?

“Hard copy of the application form submitted online will be required only at the time of counselling. The candidate has to come with the original certificate at the time of counselling. However, sports category candidate has to submit hard copy along with photo copies to the sports department,” said Prof Shankarji Jha, dean, university instructions, Panjab University.