Jai Prakash University. Telegraph picture

Chhapra, May 24: Students of bachelor of computer applications (BCA) and bachelor of business administration (BBA) students of Jai Prakash University are ruing their fate even with a degree in hand.

The students are unable to secure admission into masters in computer applications (MCA) and masters in business administration (MBA). The reason being cited is that the Distance Education Council, New Delhi has refused to recognise these courses taught in different colleges under the varsity. But the university appears least bothered about the future of students and continuing with the courses.

A three-year BCA course is being taught at Rajendra College from 2006, at PN Singh Degree College from 2008, and at DVSD College, Kadna and Lok Mahavidyalaya Hafijpur College in Saran district from 2008. The BCA and BBA courses are taught at RBGR College, Maharajganj and Raja Singh College, Siwan.

The enrolment figures for BBA and BCA vary between 60 and 90 students for courses at different colleges. About 1,000 students have obtained BCA and BBA degrees from these colleges since 2006, but their future is hanging in the balance. The students had to cough up about Rs 21,000 for six semesters. Recently, at Rajendra College campus, a firm had come down for placements but on coming to know that the courses are not recognised by the council, it withdrew its offer.

Principal of Ganga Singh College K.P. Srivastava told The Telegraph: “Ganga Singh College was allowed by the university to start these courses in 2008 and was allotted 60 seats. But only one student took admission. The students were apprehensive as they came to know that these courses had not been recognised by the council. It is a fact that these courses are yet to be recognised by the council. It is highly unfair. Though the lone student who has taken admission is being taught, I do not know what his future holds.”

However, other principals do not share the same view. The principal of Rajendra College, Baikunth Pandey, said he has been admitting students for these courses. He said: “We have been allowed by the university to run these courses and provide certificates to successful students.”

The principal of PN Singh Degree College could not be contacted for comment. The director of distance education department at the university, Mohan Chaudhry, has been ill for the past two years and has not been attending office. The deputy director, distance education department, Daya Kant Mishra, told The Telegraph: “It is true that recognition for these courses have not yet been given by the distant education council. But in other universities also, the same situation prevails. He admitted the students have to face many hurdles because the recognition is lacking. He added: “They are not getting admission into MCA courses at other places. They are not provided with jobs either. Though the university is providing certificates, it is of no use to students. He admitted that the teaching of these courses should be stopped till recognition is granted. He said: “We have been trying to secure the recognition and thinking about stopping fresh admission.”

Vice-chancellor Dinesh Prasad Sinha said almost all the universities are facing this situation. He said: “We are providing certificates to those students and trying to get recognition from the Distance Education Council.” He said the courses would not be stopped. But the negligent attitude of the varsity is proving to be dangerous for students.

Students like Chandan and Vishvajit, who obtained degrees last year, said: “We came to know the reality of these certificates when we did not get a job. We did not get admission in MCA and MBA courses on the basis of this certificate.”