Jadavpur Univ V-C booted out of HS Council, seeks JU exit from JEE system

Kolkata: Jadavpur University is likely to withdraw from the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE) system. The proposal is expected to be tabled before the Jadavpur University Executive Council soon, a senior official hinted on Friday.The developments coincided with JU vice-chancellor Chiranjib Bhattacharjee's removal as president of the West Bengal Council of HS Education, a decision he termed "unfortunate."
Admissions to JU's undergraduate engineering courses are conducted through the West Bengal Joint Entrance Board exam, a system in place since the board's establishment in 1962.A senior official said, "Given the annual delay in starting classes, the issue has resurfaced. It was discussed earlier, but the proposal is likely to be placed before the Executive Council soon as we have the infrastructure and faculty to conduct our own entrance exams."The VC declined to comment, saying he was "mentally tired and upset" after receiving the govt order removing him as WBCHSE president.Partha Karmakar, deputy secretary of the West Bengal Board of Primary Education (WBBPE), was appointed as the new president of the Higher Secondary Council. He will take charge on March 2.Bhattacharjee said: "After successfully conducting the HS exams under the semester system for the first time in India, I expected gratitude from the state govt. Instead, on my last day, I received a removal letter, which is very unfortunate. Since taking charge in 2022, I conducted six HS exams — including two parts under the semester system —sincerely and successfully, so this was absolutely unexpected," he added.Bhattacharjee went on leave from Friday for a few days, saying he would take certain decisions on his return. A section of the higher education community and the HS council believes his removal followed a viral audio clip of an alleged conversation with a JU professor, in which he reportedly criticised a top higher education official. Bhattacharjee claimed the clip was AI-fabricated but admitted it had a significant impact.