Siliguri, Aug. 5: Seven colleges affiliated to North Bengal University are being considered for upgradation to lead colleges.

Dilip Kumar Sarkar, the officiating inspector of colleges, NBU, said: “Around 18 prospective lead colleges have been identified in the state, excepting Calcutta. Of these 18, seven fall under North Bengal University.”

The prospective lead colleges under North Bengal University include Siliguri College of Science and Arts, St. Joseph’s College (Darjeeling), Balurghat College, Malda College, Raiganj College, Ananda Chandra College (Jalpaiguri) and Acharya Brajendra Nath Singh College (Cooch Behar).

This follows the government’s decision to set up lead colleges in every district, which would admit only the crème de la crème of the region. These colleges would be developed as centres of excellence and academic leadership.

The lead colleges would have to possess proper infrastructure, high academic standards and a history of commendable performance.

Before being declared a lead college, the institution would have to get itself assessed and accredited by National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC).

On August 26, a West Bengal State Council for Higher Education team, headed by member secretary Pratik Choudhury, will visit the NBU campus and hold discussions with vice-chancellor Pijush Kanti Saha.

“The team will also visit four colleges, namely Siliguri College, AC College at Jalpaiguri, ABNS College at Cooch Behar, and St Joseph’s College at Darjeeling,” said Sarkar.

“Lead colleges will have to carry out several research-oriented work and expand the horizon of education. They will also have to share the responsibility of the university in conducting examinations and take a lead in various social and academic issues,” Sarkar added.

Siliguri College of Science and Arts is all set to pitch for the status.

“By the end of this year we will invite the NAAC to our campus for accreditation, which will enable us to seek the status of a lead college,” said Malay Karanjay, the principal of Siliguri College of Science and Arts.