Hundreds file application for Plus II on last day of submission

BHUBANESWAR: Despite incessant rain, most colleges across the state witnessed heavy rush on Wednesday, the last day of submission of application forms for admission in Plus II courses for 2013-14 academic year. Anxiety and excitement was evident among students, entering a new phase of their academic life in college.
As many as 4.79 lakh online applications were filed this year, while 3.61 lakh common application forms were submitted at colleges by Wednesday evening.There are a total 3,26,692 seats in 1,387 junior colleges in the state.
"Since the number of applications is huge, about 80,000 more than last year, we are planning to increase 15% seats in rural colleges for local students. There is also an increase of 10,000 seats in 30 additional colleges," said higher education minister Badri Narayan Patra.
With an increase in the number of students and average marks secured in Class X this year compared to the previous year, students may face a tough competition to get a seat in top colleges. Each student can apply for six colleges on priority basis.
"This is a very uncertain phase when you are not sure about your admission in a college. Until I see my name in the first selection list I think I am going to be quite tense," said Anshuman Swain, a student who applied for admission in BJB Junior College. He has secured 91% in Class X board exam.
According to another student Swagatika Rath, college life is not all about fun but brings about more responsibility and more pressure to perform better. "While I look forward to the fun and freedom of college life, I am also aware there is going to be great pressure to prove myself a good student in this crucial phase of my academic life," said Rath. "There are many colleges, but I want to study in BJB Junior College as it has a glorious tradition of merit and excellence," she said.
The first selection list will be released on June 21 while admission of students selected in the first list will be held between June 26 and 29. The second selection list will be announced on July 5, admission for which will be held on July 8 and 9.
Students can track the status of their application, their position on the merit list when published and other relevant information from the official website of the department of higher education (www.dheorissa.in), or they can call their toll free number (155335).
"Since the response for Plus II admission is encouraging this year we are hopeful that no seat will remain vacant in junior colleges," said Mihir Das, nodal officer for admission. Last year 38,321 seats remained vacant in different colleges.
Principal of BJB Junior College Suvada Mohanty said, "The admission process has been smooth. As a lot of controversies have rocked Plus II colleges, especially private residential ones, most students will seek admission in government colleges this year. We also expect an increase in cutoff marks."