Jogamaya Devi College Review

College management ranges from terrible to mildly helpful. Issues take awhile to get resolved in most cases and for the large part the system and its people are inefficient and incompetent. However, there are a few certain reliable and resourceful individuals who if approached personally sort out matters properly. The college is mediocre for the most part but some professors, workers and the classmates make it bearable, and even enjoyable.

The course is well structured with a fairly balanced and systematic distribution of core courses, electives and additional papers. The syllabus is extensive and interesting for the most part, and relevant for those interested in pursuing further degrees in the subject. The evaluation of each paper of 100 marks is divided into two parts. The external semester exam of 65 marks is a standard university-level evaluation with more focus on in-depth readings and traditional interpretations. The rest of the 35 marks is made of 10 marks for semester attendance, 10 marks for an internal college-based examination and the remaining 10+5 is a tutorial and viva, sometimes based on original research and sometimes on traditional topics.

The placement cell is non-functional and there are hardly any internship opportunities presented by the college itself. To my knowledge, after being 2/3rd of the way through my degree, there have been no recruitment drives or counselling sessions for placements yet.

Many annual cultural events are celebrated in the college premises ranging from Founder's Day, National Holidays, Rabindra Jayanthi, Holi, Saraswati Puja, Children's Day, Teacher's Day, annual fests, Fresher's, Farewells and an annual Bashonto Utsav. They are held within the campus and fairly well attended and much enjoyed by students and faculty alike.

The fee structure is very reasonable with government scholarships being offered as well. My per semester fee is approximately Rs. 600 and exam fees Rs. 400, paid for each of the six semesters of the course. The college fee book and payment challans provide a full break up of the fees and there is a separate admission fee charged at the beginning of the course.

I did not opt for any scholarships or loans but a few of my classmates have been enrolled under a government scholarship/ grant. The eligibility criteria was based on the Higher Secondary marks and the students applied both independently and through the college, and verified and attested the same by the college authorities.

The college is a girls-only morning college starting classes at 6:15 am. There is not much scope for extra curricular activities in the college itself owing to the lack of space apart from a single common room and a small hall. However, dance programmes, concerts, competitions and the occasional debates, cultural fests and get-togethers are held sometimes. There is a somewhat diverse student population with pupils from different religions, socio-economic standings, political beliefs, goals and beliefs attending classes in the college without hassles and ostracism.

The college seniors involved in the student union are generally helpful when it comes to issues like raising student's concerns to the faculty, political campaigning, planning annual trips, college events and fests, and simply offering advice. They are usually friendly, helpful and approachable. My batch has not had any interactions with the alumni or any knowledge of an alumni association.

I had always wanted to study English Literature after school, so I chose this course. I had applied to the best colleges in the city and this college was my only backup option in case I didn't get into any of the premier institutions. In the end, I had to settle since from my list of preferred colleges, the ones that I did get into were too far a commute and would be very physically taxing m The application process typically starts after the publication of Board results with the form fill ups. The merit lists are published soon after and the counselling begins, lasting for 2-3 rounds. Usually marks and documents are verified and attested on this day. The admission fee payment is to be done on the day of the counselling itself and the requisite documents need to submitted back in the college for proof of payment and securing of admission.

The average age of the lecturers would be early/mid-30s, with most of them having a M.A. degree. A former professor had an M. Phil and one lecturer has a PhD. Half of the professors are proficient and well-versed both in terms of the relevant subject matter as well as in teaching proficiently. The other half lacks the ability to engage students or elicit interest and provide clarity in the course. Yes, some of the lecturers do have relevant experience and external certifications from reputed institutes.