Campus life at Calcutta University Alipore :Expectation Vs Reality

Eligibility Criteria:-If you want to pursue Post Graduation in Sociology from Calcutta University, you need to have at least a 55 % aggregate in undergraduate level in Sociology(Hons). Application Process:-The application form is available on the University's website. The application process is online and there is no fee required. The online application process starts in the month of June-July every year after the undergraduate results are out. The University conducts a CBT(Computer Based Test) entrance exam. The syllabus is based on subject knowledge. Reservation of Seats:-There is the reservation of seats for SC, ST, OBC-A, OBC-B and PD candidates. One seat is reserved for each of these categories. Course Structure:-It is a 2 - year full time course divided into 4 semesters of 6 months each. The course fee for 2 years is Rs. 2400 overall (Rs. 600 each semester). The course syllabus consists of core and elective courses based on CBCS(Choice Based Credit System).

I chose this course as my graduation was in sociology and wanted to pursue Masters in the same from Calcutta University. My academic results were always good in sociology. Also, I checked the syllabus and faculty qualification and their experience. Everything looked fair enough. The Student strength is 50 to 60 but it can vary as per intake capacity. Currently, there are 4 highly experienced full time Professors. Guest lecturers from different colleges and universities do visit on some days. All the Professors are highly qualified with a Doctorate degree and their experience in teaching varies between 10 to 30 years. The teaching method is extremely unique and modern. The teachers use a combination method of linking theory with modern life. All the Professors are extremely helpful and hardworking. The exams were on time and the pressure was great because the time limit of each exam has been reduced for a few years. The competition level is high and if you study well, you can get the first class.

The entire course fee is 2400 /- for 2 years where you have to pay 600 /- at the beginning of each semester. Some scholarships are there but there are reservation quotas in those scholarships. These reservations can be in the form of academic results or single girl child. but, if one of your parents work in the government sector, then you are not eligible for the scholarship. There are also some scholarships for Scheduled Caste students. However, these scholarships vary according to the time and situation of the ongoing government and its rules. For, Arts students, there are no campus placements at all. The attendance is 75 % compulsory and a percentage below that requires a fine of 100 /-. If the candidate fails to submit, then he or she might be made a discollegiate.

The campus for Social sciences is in Alipore, opposite Alipore zoo. The campus is good with plants and the security system is strict, which is a good point and does not entertain any extra time pass after classes. Frankly speaking, no such annual fest takes place as this campus is more study oriented. But programs like freshers and teachers day can be held if the class wishes to, but that is up to the respective departments. The library is a good one and disciplined. One disadvantage is that you can't borrow books from the library to take home as they ask you to sit and read. The laboratories for art students are not accessible to the students but are only restricted for the teachers use. The classrooms are big with proper seats and blackboard, whiteboard and projectors. However, the toilets are not always maintained. Sometimes one of the lifts does not work. However, Saraswati puja and Holi are celebrated on the campus. Students Union is there but it's better to stay away from them.