Cluster University Srinagar Faces Backlash Over Delayed Graduations

SRINAGAR: Disappointment and frustration have engulfed students at Cluster University-affiliated colleges in Srinagar as the institution faces criticism for delayed graduations. As it delayed the results, students who had qualified entrances for masters in different universities lost a chance to get into bigger learning spaces.

One such student, Maheen (name changed), experienced heartbreak when her long-cherished dream of pursuing a Master’s degree at Aligarh Muslim University was shattered with a rejection notice, even after qualifying for the entrance examination. The reason for the rejection left her utterly helpless and confused. Fifth semester results were declared late last week, fortnights after the students had literally secured their berths in various universities and were required to submit the marks sheet of five semesters.

Maheen, currently enrolled in the sixth semester of an Honours degree, expressed her distress, saying, “I worked hard for my entrance examination because I have been waiting for it for years.” The delayed sessions caused by Covid19 only added to the mounting frustration. While her graduation should ideally be completed by July 2023, she and many others fear that their hard work and one academic year may go in vain.

Graduation in the Cluster University affiliated colleges and also in the University of Kashmir is a six-semester study spanned over slightly more than three years.

Similar sentiments were echoed by Aksa (name changed), another student in her sixth semester, who fears losing her seat this year might jeopardize her chances of scoring well for admission in her desired university next year. Despite their efforts to reach out to the university, students like Aksa receive little to no positive response, leaving them in a state of heartbreak and uncertainty.

The situation has sparked criticism from students who claim that Cluster University seems more concerned about festivals and guests than academics. In the last few years, academic institutions mostly higher secondary schools and colleges have emerged as laboratories to showcase the post-2019 normalcy and prosperity. They argue that the university’s negligence and failure to complete the syllabus on time have put their careers at risk. Some students even battle suicidal tendencies when they realise their efforts are going astray.

Sharik (name changed), an alumnus of Cluster University, shared his disappointment with the institution’s inadequate support. He narrates 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.

In response to the growing discontent, the Controller of Examinations at the Cluster University, Professor Khursheed Ahmad Mir, denies any delay from their side. He claims that students in their sixth semester are not eligible for Master’s applications. However, students argue that according to the guidelines of the National Testing Agency (NTA), those who graduate in 2023 are eligible to apply, and their graduation results can be marked as ‘awaited’ while filling out application forms.

The recurring issue of delayed results and admissions in Kashmiri universities has led to widespread frustration and demands for transparency and accountability in the education system. Students like Maheen, Aksa, and Sharik emphasise the urgency for timely completion of courses to safeguard their dreams and aspirations for a promising future. As the academic turmoil continues, the administration departments of Cluster University and other institutions come under scrutiny, calling for immediate reform to prioritize students’ careers and academic pursuits.