Can you write about a song that makes you melancholic? Or your favourite comics characters? Or your pandemic days? If yes, then you may be a perfect candidate for the undergraduate programme in Bengali literature at Jadavpur University, Kolkata. The question paper for the recently held admission test has not only made the candidates happy but also won hearts on social media.
The two-page question paper does not include a single subject-specific question and instead encourages the examinees to think creatively and independently. “This was like a breath of fresh air. I do microblogging and often write for Bengali websites as a freelance writer. So, when I saw the paper, I knew it was just for me. There wasn’t a single syllabus-oriented question or any analysis of the history of Bengali literature,” said Sohini Ganguly, who appeared for the exam held on August 17. The results are expected in end August or early September.
The question paper has since been repeatedly shared on social media.
The first page of the question paper.
FacebookRajyeswar Sinha, professor of Bengali department at Jadavpur University, said the idea had been to look for students who can think and write. “We didn’t want to see who had more theoretical knowledge. Rather, all of us (professors of the Bengali department) decided to look for candidates who are creative, can think independently and can write. It is our job to teach them how to critically approach literature in a disciplined way, but before that, it is all about creativity,” he said.
The teachers also wanted to make sure that no one was excluded. “We could have easily asked questions on a specific poem by Rabindranath Tagore or Sukumar Ray. But, what if a student from a remote village does not have access to Rabindra Rachanabali or Pagla Dashu? Should he or she not appear for the exam?” Sinha asked.
Jadavpur University registrar Snehamanju Basu agreed and pointed out that the university also thought about those students who could not complete their syllabus because of the pandemic situation. “There are hundreds of students who didn’t have access to books and internet connection. They have equal rights to take the test,” she added.
