Controversy
On 6 October 2018, violence broke out in connection with student politics at Cotton University in Guwahati, as the university prepared for its upcoming campus elections. Nabajit Dutta, a candidate for the position of general secretary, and another student, Trinayan Baruah, were attacked by unknown assailants in the Japorigog area. Both students sustained injuries but were able to escape. A formal complaint (FIR) was filed at the Dispur police station following the incident. [18]
On 8 December 2019, a video of Cotton University students chanting slogans of "Azaadi" gained attention on social media amid ongoing protests against the Citizenship Amendment Bill (CAB) in Assam. The video, shared by Facebook user Ivan Ahmed, depicted students expressing their discontent with the government. The chants included demands for freedom from the CAB and targeted specific leaders such as Assam's the then Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, the then Finance and Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, and the then Education Minister Siddhartha Bhattacharya. The students were heard chanting "Sarbananda se azaadi, Himanta se azaadi, Bharat se azaadi, Siddhartha se azaadi," along with calls for liberation from the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). The Students’ Union of Cotton University had organized a rally called Rono Hunkaar, or 'War Cry,' to protest the controversial bill, which aims to provide a pathway to citizenship for undocumented non-Muslims from Pakistan, Afghanistan, and Bangladesh. This legislation has faced significant opposition from residents of Assam and other northeastern states. The Northeast Students’ Organisation (NESO) announced a regional shutdown to mark collective dissent against the CAB, which was scheduled for final review in the Rajya Sabha. [19]
On 8 January 2020, students of Cotton University in Guwahati hoisted black flags to protest against the attack on students and teachers at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), which has been a controversial institution often labeled as anti-nationalist. The Cotton University students expressed solidarity with the victims and demanded government action against the attackers. Sudarshan Kaushik Sarma emphasized concerns about student safety, stating that if safety could not be ensured in the national capital, other regions would also be at risk. The Assam Students' Forum also called for the resignation of Union Home Minister Amit Shah over the incident. [20]
On 7 January 2022, at least 15 students from Cotton University were injured in a clash between two hostels: Mahendra Nath Deka Phukan (MNDP) and Sita Nath Brahma Choudhury (SNBC). The altercation arose over the results of the university's student union general elections. One of the injured students, Pragyan Protim Bora, was severely hurt and was initially taken to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) before being transferred to a private hospital in the city the following day. According to Prithviraj Rajkhowa, assistant commissioner of police in Guwahati, the incident occurred around 10:30 PM on Wednesday, shortly after the election results were announced. The elections, which took place on Tuesday, were closely contested. The MNDP hostel, supported by the Satra Mukti Sangram Samiti (SMSS), secured three key positions: vice-president, general secretary, and assistant general secretary. In contrast, the SNBC hostel, backed by the Asom Chatra Parishad (ACP), managed to win only the presidency. SMSS is affiliated with Sivasagar MLA Akhil Gogoi’s Krishak Mukti Sangram Samiti (KMSS), while the ACP is the student wing of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party’s key ally, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP). Rustom Raj Brahma, the officer in charge of the Panbazar police station, noted that both hostels filed First Information Reports (FIRs) against each other. The MNDP hostel accused students from the SNBC hostel of attacking them with sticks and bamboo, as well as pelting stones, resulting in injuries to over 15 students from the MNDP hostel. A similar FIR was lodged by the SNBC hostel against the MNDP hostel, containing similar allegations. [21] [22]
On 2 July 2022, several students at Cotton University in Guwahati were injured during a clash between two hostels in the early hours of Saturday. Around 1:45 AM, inmates of a boys' hostel reportedly threw bricks, bottles, and other objects at another hostel. Several students who were asleep at the time sustained injuries, with some retaliating by throwing similar objects. One student was seriously injured and required admission to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital. The circumstances leading to the clash remain unclear; however, university sources indicated that tensions on campus had increased following the general secretary of the students' union's decision to join the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). On the preceding Thursday, students, particularly those residing in various hostels, held a demonstration on campus, expressing their belief that he had been supported as an apolitical candidate and arguing that it was "unethical" for him to join a political party. Following the incident, a case was filed, and an investigation was initiated by the police and the students were arrested. [23]
On 14 November 2022, Guwahati Police arrested Anupam Mali for allegedly attacking Rapido driver Sajid Choudhury on November 10 near the Guwahati Railway Station. The incident involved a group of Cotton University students following their elections. CCTV footage showed Mali carrying a wooden log during the assault. While Trinayan Baruah, an Asom Chatra Parishad leader, was present, he was not directly involved in the attack. The case raised concerns about the safety of app-based drivers, especially during late hours, with calls for more government action. [24]
A 21-year-old female student from Cotton University in Guwahati was reported to have died by suicide at her residence in Goreswar, located in Assam's Tamulpur district, on 2 December 2022. According to police, the victim was a BA fifth-semester student at the university. Her body was discovered hanging from the ceiling fan at her home. Authorities found a suicide note and are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding her tragic decision. The note indicated that the student attributed her actions to her difficult financial situation, stating, "My economic condition is extremely bad; I am ugly; I hate my life." [25]
On 24 February 2023, a Higher Secondary student from Cotton University, Surya Narayan Das, was reported missing. Surya last spoke to his mother at 8:30 PM on Thursday, shortly before leaving his hostel room in Uzan Bazaar at 9 PM after dinner. In response to the report, the Latasil Police initiated a search operation to locate the missing student. He was never found and was later declared dead. [26] [27]
On 6 March 2023, four students from Cotton University were arrested by Panbazar police for their alleged involvement in two separate assault incidents. The students, identified as Mriganka Kashyap, Hrishikesh Das, Mausam Mahanta, and Sanjay Rangthal, are all undergraduates in their sixth semester. Kashyap and Das, who reside at the MNDP hostel, are accused of attacking the district general secretary of the BJP Guwahati city unit. Meanwhile, Mahanta and Rangthal allegedly assaulted an employee of NF Railway at the Guwahati Railway Station. Sanjay, who was initially absconding, was apprehended at Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport. The arrests were made following two First Information Reports (FIRs) lodged at the Panbazar Police Station, leading to charges under sections 143, 279, 294, 307, and 326 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). [28]
On 27 November 2023, an alleged assault occurred involving students from Cotton University in Guwahati. The incident took place on the university campus, where a woman was reportedly attacked by a group of male students, said to be residents of the MNDP hostel. According to reports, the group of students was initially involved in an altercation with a man they accused of theft. When the woman and her husband attempted to intervene, they were allegedly assaulted by the students. The woman later reported that she was struck on the head, resulting in her losing consciousness. Following the incident, the students reportedly fled to the MNDP hostel and secured the gates. Authorities from the Panbazar police station responded to the scene, and the woman was taken for a medical examination. Panbazar police station Officer-in-Charge Bhargab Borbora stated that a formal First Information Report (FIR) was anticipated to be filed. Investigations were ongoing based on the woman’s account. The woman alleged that approximately six male students were involved in the attack, but one individual who physically assaulted her had not been identified. In contrast, students from the MNDP hostel denied the allegations, asserting that the woman was inebriated and was standing near the hostel gate. They claimed that she was accidentally knocked down by two individuals fleeing the scene after being chased by security personnel. However, police officials maintained that the woman was not under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident. This event is part of a broader context of previous allegations involving Cotton University students, particularly concerning incidents of violence or altercations. [29]
On 12 December 2023, a female student at Cotton University in Guwahati attempted to take her own life by jumping from the second floor of the MCB administrative building. The student, who is enrolled in the first year of the Higher Secondary (HS) Arts stream, was promptly transported to Nemcare Hospital following the incident. She is currently receiving treatment in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). [30] [31]
On 10 April 2024, another tragic incident occurred involving Kalina Barua, a first-year student at Cotton University, who died after jumping from her student residence, the Pranalaya PG. The incident has raised significant concerns about mental health awareness among students. Kalina's fall from the second floor resulted in severe injuries, and she was promptly taken to Gauhati Medical College and Hospital for urgent medical treatment. Unfortunately, despite the medical team's efforts, she succumbed to her injuries. The reasons behind Kalina's drastic decision remain unclear, leaving the university community in shock and mourning. This incident has prompted serious discussions regarding mental health support systems and the need for greater awareness among students at Cotton University. [32] [33] [34]
On 3 August 2024, students residing in the SNBC hostel at Cotton University staged a protest to highlight the lack of basic facilities. The hostellers expressed their grievances regarding inadequate amenities, which have impacted their living conditions and overall experience at the university. The demonstration aimed to draw attention to their demands for improved infrastructure and services within the hostel. [35]
On 14 August 2024, a former Cotton University student, Sanjan Gohain, was involved in an alleged assault on a security guard at the SNBC (New) hostel on the university's campus. The incident reportedly occurred when the guard, Purbajyoti Kalita, attempted to stop Gohain and another individual from consuming alcohol on the premises. Despite the guard's intervention, Gohain allegedly continued drinking and urinated inside the hostel. The situation escalated when Gohain, with assistance from another person, physically attacked Kalita and damaged his clothing. Following the incident, Kalita filed a First Information Report (FIR) at the Panbazar police station. It was noted that Gohain has a history of prior cases registered at the police station. Local residents have also indicated that late-night drinking at the SNBC hostel has been a persistent issue, contributing to disturbances in the neighborhood. [36]
On 16 September 2024, an incident occurred at Cotton State University in Guwahati when a man was struck by a speeding water tanker near the Mahendra Nath Deka Phukan Hostel, resulting in serious injuries. Following the accident, students from the University reacted by protesting on the streets, expressing their frustration and demanding immediate action to improve safety measures. The students called for the establishment of a 'closed corridor' around the University premises to enhance pedestrian safety and prevent future accidents. Their demonstration caused significant traffic disruptions, as they blocked the road and insisted on a response to their demands. As of now, University authorities have not publicly addressed the students' concerns, underscoring the need for improved safety protocols in areas with high pedestrian traffic. [37]
Admission
Higher Secondary
Cotton University (CU) has released tentative cut-off marks for higher secondary admissions, with 87% for the science stream and 84% for the arts stream. The cut-offs may vary depending on the number of applicants. There are 180 seats in the arts stream and 320 in the science stream. Applicants must complete the application process on both the DARPAN and Cotton University websites. Admissions will be based on a merit list from the candidates' qualifying exam results, followed by counselling and seat allocation. [58]
Undergraduate Courses
Cotton University allocates 40 percent of undergraduate seats across all departments to candidates who have taken the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). The remaining 60 percent of seats will be filled based on academic performance. According to Academic Registrar Bedanta Bora, priority will be given to CUET candidates. [59]
On 8 September 2021, Cotton University (CU) launched its online UG admission portal, increasing its intake by 25% due to high pass rates in class XII boards. The additional seats are reserved for Assam state board students, and a new 10% quota has been introduced for economically weaker sections (EWS). The intake increase aims to support state board students, while admissions will be based on merit. A conflicting reservation policy, initially mandating 75% seats for state board students, was later adjusted by the education minister to exclude urban areas. [60]
Chemistry recorded the highest cut-off percentage among all BSc major courses, with the general category cut-off at 90.66%, followed by physics at 89.33% and zoology at 87.66%. The cut-off for mathematics was 87.33%, while botany had a cut-off of 85.33%. [61]
Postgraduate Courses
Cotton University reserves 50 percent of seats in each postgraduate course for its own graduates, based on their CGPA results, subject to certain conditions. The minimum CGPA required is 5.5 for Unreserved Category, 5.3 for Other Backward Class/MOBC, and 5.0 for Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe (plains/hills) at the undergraduate level. The remaining 50 percent, designated as 'Open Category' seats, are available to graduates with honors or majors in the relevant or related disciplines from recognized universities. Admission to the 'Open Category' seats will be based on performance in the Cotton PG Entrance Examination (CPGEE). In some subjects, all seats, including those reserved for CU graduates, will be filled through CPGEE. The registration fee is Rs 800 per subject. The CPGEE comprises 50 questions, with each question carrying a weight of 4 marks, resulting in a total of 200 marks. There is also a negative marking system in place, where 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer. The entrance exam lasts for 1 hour and 30 minutes. [62]
Out of CPGEE's 200 marks, a maximum of 100 marks and a minimum of 50 marks are required for an Unreserved Category (UR) student to secure a seat. Admission calls are conducted in three rounds based on the availability of seats in respective categories and courses. [63]
The subject-wise previous years' question papers for the Cotton Post Graduate Entrance Exam (CPGEE) are available for review on the websites Bohikitap.in and FreshersNow.com. [64] [65]
PhD Courses
The Candidates applying for the PhD program must have 55% marks (50% for SC/ST) in a Master's degree from a University Grants Commission-recognized university. Admission requires qualifying the National Eligibility Test or the university’s entrance examination, followed by a viva voce and counselling session. Selected students must complete coursework, including three 4-credit and one 2-credit courses. After passing the coursework, candidates are provisionally registered and must apply for final registration within 18-24 months. The PhD registration is valid for five years, with a possible extension of up to seven years under special circumstances. [66]
On 25th November, 2024, The Cotton University PhD Researchers Association (CURSA) has raised concerns about the draft Assam College Employees Regulations, 2024, which proposes amendments to the recruitment process for teachers and staff in provincialised colleges. The draft, introduced in January 2024, suggests replacing traditional academic qualifications such as PhDs, MPhils, and research experience with a civil service-style examination conducted by the Assam Public Service Commission (APSC). CURSA has criticized the draft for overlooking the academic qualifications and research contributions of candidates, which it believes undermines the recruitment process for college educators. The association also argued that the proposed changes contradict the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes the importance of research, innovation, and academic excellence in higher education. In a statement, CURSA expressed concern that the new examination framework, which focuses on general knowledge rather than specialized academic skills, is ill-suited for hiring educators in niche academic fields. The association also noted that the proposal devalues the qualifications obtained through rigorous processes like the National Eligibility Test (NET) and State Level Eligibility Test (SLET). CURSA has called on the Assam government to engage with academic and research stakeholders to develop a recruitment policy that aligns with the objectives of NEP 2020. The association has urged Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and Education Minister Ranoj Pegu to address these issues and ensure that the interests of Assam’s academic community are safeguarded. [67]
