Association of Professional Academic Institutions, West Bengal (APAI), inaugurated its three-day Pre-Counselling for e-Admission in Engineering & Technical Education – the ‘APAI Pre-Counselling Fair 2024’ on Saturday, 6th July 2024 at Netaji Indoor Stadium. The inaugural event was attended by notable dignitaries including Shri Bratya Basu, MIC, Dept. of Education, Govt. of WB; Prof. Bhaskar Gupta, Vice Chancellor, Jadavpur University; Dr. Dibyendu Kar, Registrar, WBJEEB; Prof. Sonali Chakravarti Banerjee, Chairperson, WBJEEB; Sardar Taranjit Singh, President, APAI, WB; Mr Satyam Roychowdhury, General Secretary, APAI, WB; and Mr Alok Tibrewal, Treasurer, APAI, WB.
The Pre-Counselling Fair, with its comprehensive approach and unwavering commitment to excellence, acts as a vital stepping stone for ambitious students in West Bengal. It empowers them to embark on a path to success and significantly contribute to the nation’s development and progress. Supported and recognised by esteemed organisations such as the Higher Education Department of the Government of West Bengal, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad University of Technology, West Bengal and the West Bengal Joint Entrance Examination (WBJEE), the initiative’s credibility and importance are well-established. This exposition brings together renowned academic institutions, industry experts and professionals, offering aspiring students a platform to explore various educational opportunities and make informed career decisions. The fair provides a unique opportunity for students to connect directly with representatives from academic institutions, inquire about admission procedures, curriculum offerings and explore scholarship opportunities. This direct engagement allows students to gain a comprehensive understanding of their options and make well-informed choices regarding their educational journey. This year, the APAI will honour the top 10 rank holders of the WBJEEEB.
Shri Bratya Basu, MIC, Dept. of Education, Govt. of WB, said, ‘To the students here, success in professional education should go hand in hand with being responsible citizens for the well-being of our country. Inspired by our Hon’ble Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, I believe in her genuine path. You are the main weapon to elevate India on the global stage. Education is a fundamental right, mandatory for every child in India, as enshrined in our constitution. We are in the era of the fourth industrial revolution and the digital age, where information is key. Without knowledge, education cannot thrive. To my beloved students, as you pursue higher education, remember the importance of the digital world and choose your subjects wisely. Embrace creative knowledge to present yourselves better. Education is essential and I urge you to seize this opportunity for a brighter future.”
Prof. Bhaskar Gupta, Vice Chancellor, Jadavpur University, said, “The pre-counselling session commendably helps aspiring students, who will become excellent professionals, to decide on the streams or subjects they should pursue. Often, students are confused about which stream or subject to choose and this pre-counselling aims to assist these brilliant minds, providing them with essential guidance. This initiative is a valuable contribution to society.”
Prof. Sonali Chakravarti Banerjee, Chairperson, WBJEEB, said, “This gathering caters specifically to students interested in engineering, architecture and technology, essential for their professional education. The West Bengal Joint Entrance Exam Board, alongside 10 state universities, 9 state engineering colleges, 7 private universities and 56 private engineering colleges—totalling 83 institutions—offer admissions across 60 different streams. With 1,12,963 students succeeding in this year’s joint entrance exam, this event facilitates interactions with these institutions, providing insights into 60 diverse streams. Centralised e-counselling, beginning on the evening of 10th July, ensures effective connectivity and assists students in making informed decisions about their higher education. Today’s event serves as a precursor to successful career paths through e-counselling, guiding students in selecting the right institution and course. APAI’s focus on uniting institutions and academicians under one roof is commendable. Among the successful students, 1/4 hail from other states, 3/4 from various districts of West Bengal, and 1/3 are females—a matter of great pride. It is crucial for every student to be well-informed about state universities. Prior to the joint entrance e-counselling, initial adjustments are necessary. Everyone present here plays a vital role as our stakeholder.”
Dr. Dibyendu Kar, Registrar, WBJEEB, said, “APAI has organised a pre-counselling session where students can directly interact with representatives from participating colleges and universities. Securing admission to a good college or university is a crucial step after passing exams. Representatives are here to guide students effectively. The chairman of the Joint Entrance Board has announced that counselling will begin on 10th July. Detailed information is available on the website and a notification with all the details and procedures was shared on 10th July. Despite this, students might still have questions and doubts. A detailed diagram has also been provided for clarity. I urge guardians and students to review this information carefully. Please follow the Joint Entrance Board website for further notifications about different universities, subjects, career options and the number of available seats.”
Sardar Taranjit Singh, President, APAI, WB, said, “At APAI, we believe that education is the cornerstone of progress and innovation. The Pre-Counselling Fair is an embodiment of our commitment to guiding the youth of West Bengal towards a future filled with opportunities and success. By bringing together top-tier academic institutions, industry experts, and aspiring students under one roof, we aim to create a dynamic platform where knowledge meets opportunity. We are dedicated to ensuring that every student has access to the resources and guidance they need to make informed decisions and achieve their full potential.”
Mr Satyam Roychowdhury, General Secretary, APAI, WB, said, “This year, we have organised the Pre-counselling Fair in a hybrid format, allowing students from other states to participate virtually and ensuring no one misses out. Established in 2005, the Association of Professional Academic Institutions (APAI) aims to restore glory in education and establish a hub of premier education. APAI’s annual Pre-counselling Fair provides valuable information on courses and colleges, attracting students and guardians from neighbouring states. Under the visionary leadership of our Hon’ble Chief Minister, the West Bengal government has significantly advanced higher education with schemes like the Vivekananda Merit Scholarship and Student Credit Cards. This year’s counselling session runs from 10th July to 5th August. We are encouraged to see many students from states like Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh pursuing higher education in Kolkata. The fair aims to help students and their parents make informed career choices, fostering a technology-driven, innovative and sustainable education system. With globalisation opening multiple career options and dramatic developments in fields like artificial intelligence, we must focus on in-demand, job-oriented courses. As Nelson Mandela said, ‘Education is the most powerful weapon you can use to change the world.’”
, inaugurated its three-day Pre-Counselling for e-Admission in Engineering & Technical Education - the 'APAI Pre-Counselling Fair 2024' on Saturday, 6th July 2024 at Netaji Indoor Stadium.){kind=link}