Online college admission

TT, Gangtok, May 25: The state human resource development department has decided to introduce online admissions to government colleges from this academic session.

There are seven degree colleges affiliated to Sikkim University, to which students will be able to apply through the website, www.rusasikkim.com. The academic year begins on June 14.

The principal secretary, state HRD, G.P. Upadhaya, said: "The department will give admission on the basis of merit. There will be an option on the website to select a preferred college." He said Union HRD minister Smriti Irani would launch the website on June 3 from Delhi through video-conference.
Once the system is in place, a student can log on to the website, fill in the application form, along with marks and contact numbers, select a college and submit the details. A merit list will be uploaded on the website and an SMS will be sent to the selected candidates.

The project has been funded under the Rashtriya Ucchatar Siksha Abhiyan.

"If a student doesn't get admission to his or her preferred college, the department will try to enroll the child in a college closer to that institution, provided the student fulfils all other criteria," a source said.

Colleges have been asked to set up help desks to explain the process to students.

According to a senior official in the HRD department, around 4,000 students will get admission this year. Upadhaya said: "Around 6,000 students passed Class XII this year. Around 1,000 would take government scholarships and go outside the state for studies."

Upadhyay said a new science college would be opened at Chakhung in West Sikkim in July. "We will take 250 students this year. They will have to apply online," he said.