Ravenshaw University in Cuttack

Bhubaneswar, July 31: Authorities of Ravenshaw University, Cuttack, have decided to conduct instant admissions to the master’s programme in international studies on August 2.

The varsity took this decision after the newly introduced course failed to generate satisfactory response from students.

Of the total 36 seats on offer, only 16 have been filled up so far for the two-year sponsored course, which is very much sought-after at universities in bigger cities such as Delhi. The annual fee is Rs 10,000.

“A major reason could be the lack of awareness about the subject here. Whenever you launch a new course, it takes some time to find favour with students,” said a faculty member of the varsity.

However, official sources attributed the lukewarm response to poor planning prior to introduction of the course. “We decided sometime in April to start the programme with 36 seats when the process should have started six months ago. The necessary groundwork was not done. The syllabus was prepared in a hurry and no opinion was sought from experts,” said an official.

Sources said there was no adequate infrastructure to run the course — a quarter is at present being renovated on a war footing — and other practical problems such as limited study material on international studies in the university library.

Further, only one visiting faculty, who is yet to earn his PhD degree, has been appointed to teach the first batch of international studies.

“There has not been any effort to approach the state government to sanction a regular post for the new subject. Even other teachers from the political science department have reluctantly agreed to teach, as this will be an extra burden on them. They are already taking 17 or 18 classes every week,” said an official.

The instant admissions on August 2 will start with filing of application and registration with a demand draft of Rs 500 between 10am and 11am.

Graduates from arts, science and commerce with 45 per cent marks in honours or 50 per cent in aggregate are eligible to apply.

An hour-long entrance exam would be held at 12 noon and the results declared by 3pm. Admissions will be held on the spot on the basis of merit.