Cuttack, April 09: There has been a noticeable increase in interest among students for enrollment in the Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) course in the state. The online application process for the B.Ed entrance examination began on the 23rd of this month and will continue until April 6.
Within just seven days, applications received have far exceeded the total number of available seats. Meanwhile, a student from Ravenshaw University has written to the Chief Minister, the Higher Education Minister, and the Secretary, requesting the expansion of infrastructure for B.Ed courses and the introduction of the Integrated B.Ed (ITEP) programme in the undivided Koraput region.
27,000 Applications in 7 Days
According to data from the Student Academic Management System (SAMS), there are a total of 31 institutions in the state offering B.Ed courses, with a combined seat capacity of 2,800. However, between the 23rd and the night of the 29th, more than 29,300 students applied online for admission.
Importantly, the number of applicants is significantly higher than the total available seats. Out of these, more than 27,000 students have already completed the online fee payment.
The B.Ed entrance examination is scheduled to be held on May 31, while the entrance exams for M.Ed and B.H.Ed courses will be conducted on June 3.
On the other hand, in tribal-dominated districts such as Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, and Koraput, there is a lack of adequate institutions offering B.Ed courses. Highlighting this issue, Rajesh Bagarti, a PhD scholar from Ravenshaw University, had submitted a memorandum to the Chief Minister, Higher Education Minister, and Secretary a few months ago.
In response, the Higher Education Department, in a letter sent in February, assured that necessary steps would be taken. It also mentioned that four-year Integrated B.Ed (ITEP) programmes would be introduced in multidisciplinary higher education institutions across the state.
Leave a Reply