Bhubaneswar, June 19: Utkal University authorities are considering extending the last date for applying online to various postgraduate programmes from June 21 to July 1.

“The final-year degree results of a few institutes were announced late. Since equal weightage is given to entrance score and academic career, we don’t want to deprive any student from applying. It is only a matter of time before we announce extension of the application deadline,” said postgraduate council chairman P.K. Mishra.

Back paper results of the university and of BEd colleges affiliated to Utkal are also yet to be announced. “Once those results are out, we will get some more applications,” said an official, adding that there were also some requests from the heads of various departments to extend the deadline to July 8.

So far, the university has received 7,500 applications for the 27 postgraduate departments. Like previous years, there is a mad rush for admission into commerce with 931 candidates applying for just 48 seats. The physics department has got 782 applications for 30 seats and among arts subjects, economics has topped the preference list of candidates with 450 students applying for 88 seats. Personnel management and industrial relations and psychology courses are also basking in favour.

Last year, the varsity got more than 10,000 applications. “This time, four programmes — integrated MCA, integrated MBA, MSc in computer science and MTech in computer science — have not been included in e-admissions which is why the application figures have dropped slightly. But we are hopeful of breaking last year’s record in the next few days,” said an official.

Dates for the entrance test would be declared after the application process closes. Students have to download their admit cards online from the university’s website.

A group of four integrated MCA students of Utkal handling the e-admission process are also offering guidance to aspirants through four helpline numbers, e-mail (admission@utkaluniversity.ac.in) and a Facebook page (fb.com.UtkalUniversity.VaniVihar). “We are receiving scores of queries on a daily basis, mostly through mail. Many aspirants are appreciating our help,” said Chandra Sekhar, a final-year integrated MCA student, who is part of the e-admission team.