Students at Cluster University-affiliated colleges in Srinagar are experiencing profound disappointment and frustration due to delayed graduations. The institution’s failure to announce results promptly has led to a missed opportunity for students who had qualified for entrance exams to pursue higher education in other universities.
Dreams Shattered: The Impact of Late Results
One student, Maheen (name changed), had her dream of studying at Aligarh Muslim University shattered when she received a rejection notice despite qualifying for the entrance examination. The rejection was solely based on the late declaration of fifth-semester results, leaving her feeling confused and helpless. These delays, caused by the Covid-19 pandemic, have only added to the students’ frustration. Instead of completing her graduation by July 2023, Maheen and many others now fear that their hard work and one academic year may go to waste.
Jeopardizing Future Prospects
Aksa (name changed), another student in her sixth semester, is deeply worried that losing her seat this year will jeopardize her chances of admission to her desired university next year. Despite attempting to reach out to the university, students like Aksa have received little to no positive response, leaving them heartbroken and uncertain about their future.
Academics Over Festivals: The Students’ Perspective
Students have criticized Cluster University for prioritizing festivals and guests over academics. They argue that the university’s failure to complete the syllabus on time puts their careers at risk. In some cases, students have even battled suicidal thoughts when they realize their efforts are being wasted.
Dreams Compromised: The Alumni’s Testimony
Sharik (name changed), an alumnus of Cluster University, expressed his disappointment with the institution’s lack of support. He shared how his dream of pursuing an MBA at the Indian Institute of Management, Jammu, was compromised due to the university’s inability to provide timely graduation results and marks sheets.
Denial of Delays: The University’s Stand
In response to the discontent, Professor Khursheed Ahmad Mir, the Controller of Examinations at Cluster University, denies any delays on their part. However, students argue that, according to the guidelines of the National Testing Agency (NTA), those graduating in 2023 are eligible to apply for master’s programs, and their graduation results can be marked as “awaited” on application forms.
The Need for Transparency and Accountability
The recurring issue of delayed results and admissions in Kashmiri universities has led to widespread frustration and calls for transparency and accountability in the education system. Students like Maheen, Aksa, and Sharik emphasize the need for timely completion of courses to safeguard their dreams and aspirations for a promising future. As the academic turmoil continues, the administration of Cluster University and other institutions face scrutiny and calls for immediate reform to prioritize students’ careers and academic pursuits.
In conclusion, it is evident that the delay in announcing results at Cluster University has had a profound impact on the lives and aspirations of the students. Urgent steps need to be taken to address this issue and ensure that students’ academic journeys are not compromised. Transparency, accountability, and timely completion of courses must become the cornerstones of the education system to secure a brighter future for the students of Srinagar and beyond.