Here there is a change in the preference. Students securing more percentage in HSC exam this time have preferred to read in private colleges in the +2 classes.
This is for the first time that such a trend is seen here since GM (Junior) College used to be the first choice for the students with higher marks.
But it is Newton College, a private one on the outskirts of the town, that has stolen the march and become the first choice. Highest cutoff mark here is 82.5 per cent as against 81.83 per cent of the GM (junior) College.
“This may be a thread margin, still it is matter of concern and the reason needs to be analysed,” opined Prof NK Pujari, a resident of Sambalpur town and the former registrar of Sambalpur University.
Another interesting change seen this year is that the cutoff mark of+2 Commerce is more than that of +2 Science. When it is 87.4 per cent for+2 Commerce, it is only 82.5 for Science this year here. And, the highest cut off mark of+2 Commerce again goes in favour of private Seven Hills College, instead of any Government College, including the premier GM (Junior) College.
However, it is a matter of solace for any Government college that the highest cutoff mark in Arts is in Government Women’s College Sambalpir with 65 per cent followed by GM (Junior) College at 62.17 per cent.
Speaking about such a changing preference in the students for private colleges, GM University Registrar Prof Smita Devi said that quality of teaching in GM (Junior) College is in no way less or inferior to any private colleges. “But private colleges take some extra care like evening teaching, regular touch with guardians and tutorial classes which are an added attraction for both students and guardians. But these are neither possible nor available in Government colleges,” Prof Smita Devi opined.