Archive · 11 Jan 2026
Alumni Oppose Presidency Physics Admission Based on Board Scores
Some former students and teachers of Presidency University's physics department are upset because the department is now using school exam scores to admit new students instead of its own special test.
They think the special test is better for finding the smartest students.
The alumni association is asking the university leader to make the physics department use the test again.
Some teachers say it's hard to do the test because there aren't enough teachers, but they're open to ideas.
The physics department is known for being very good, and many people think the test helps keep it that way.
Presidency University's physics department has decided to admit undergraduate students based on Plus-II board scores in physics and mathematics.
Alumni and former teachers oppose this decision, arguing that a department-led admission test is better for identifying bright candidates.
The alumni association has urged the vice-chancellor to persuade the physics department to reconsider its decision.
Former head of the physics department, Somak Raychaudhury, stated that board exam scores do not reflect a student's aptitude for studying physics.
The physics department's decision has sparked debate due to its rich heritage and the department's previous practice of conducting its own entrance exams.
- Who
- Presidency University's physics department, alumni association, former students and teachers
- What
- Debate over admission criteria for undergraduate physics students
- When
- Recent decision, with alumni association meeting on Saturday
- Where
- Presidency University, Kolkata, India
- Why
- Concerns over dilution of student quality and the department's legacy of conducting its own admission tests
- Institution
- Presidency University
- Department
- Physics
- Current Admission Criteria
- Plus-II board scores in physics and mathematics
- Alumni Association Action
- Urging vice-chancellor to reconsider the admission process
- Former Head of Department
- Somak Raychaudhury
- Alumni Association Vice-President
- Bivas Chaudhuri
- Alumni Association President
- Sutirtha Bhattacharya
- Department Head
- Muktish Acharyya (no response to contact)