Punjab Newsline | Chandigarh
In a significant policy shift, the Chandigarh Administration has decided to introduce reservation for the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category in college admissions for the first time. Until now, only Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) were eligible for quota benefits in undergraduate admissions.
Starting this academic session, OBC students will be given 3% reservation, with a roadmap to gradually increase it to 27% over the next few years, in line with directives from the Government of India.
The new reservation policy will be applicable across 11 colleges in Chandigarh for undergraduate (UG) admissions and will apply to 85% seats under the UT pool. The quota will be implemented across all major streams, including Arts, Science, Commerce, and vocational courses.
Every year, more than 21,000 students take admission in UG courses across city colleges. Admissions will continue to be merit-based, and the entire process will be conducted online under a common schedule.
Existing Reservations to Continue
The current reservation structure will remain unchanged. SC/ST candidates will continue to receive 15–18% reservation, while 5% seats are reserved for children of defense and paramilitary personnel, as well as persons with disabilities. Additional provisions for single girl child applicants will also continue.
Admission Process to Begin Soon
The prospectus is being prepared by Post Graduate Government College Sector 46. The admission process will begin soon after Class 12 results are declared by boards like Central Board of Secondary Education and others.
How to Apply
Students seeking admission must apply online through the official portal of the Department of Higher Education at dhe.chd.gov.in. A registration fee is mandatory during application. After seat allotment, candidates must visit the allotted college for document verification and complete fee payment to confirm admission.
Admissions will follow both centralized and non-centralized systems:
Courses like BBA, BCA, BCom, and BSc will be part of the centralized system, allowing students to apply to multiple colleges through a single form.
Courses like BA will follow a non-centralized system, requiring separate applications for each college.
The move aligns Chandigarh with the central policy of providing 27% reservation to OBC students in educational institutions, which will be implemented in phases, beginning with the current 3% quota.
