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College Admissions in Siliguri 2025: Complete Step-by-Step Guide

This guide is designed to make the Siliguri college admissions process for 2026 as clear and practical as possible.

  • Who should read this?
     
    • Students planning undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG) studies in Siliguri.
       
    • Parents helping children with admissions.
       
    • Lateral entry and international applicants seeking Siliguri colleges.
       
  • Why 2026 admissions are different
     
    • Increased adoption of CUET (Common University Entrance Test) for UG/PG.
       
    • NEP 2020 implementation is bringing flexible credit systems and multidisciplinary options.
       
    • More centralized online counselling to reduce travel and paperwork.
       
  • How to use this guide
     
    • Follow the sections in order for a step-by-step roadmap.
       
    • Bookmark the timeline and checklist sections for quick reference.
       
    • Use the FAQs at the end for fast answers to common doubts.
       

 


Siliguri at a Glance

Siliguri has become one of North Bengal’s most important education hubs, attracting students from West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam, Bihar, Nepal, and Bhutan.

  • Affiliations & Regulators
     
    • University of North Bengal (NBU) – main affiliating body for arts, science, commerce colleges.
       
    • MAKAUT (West Bengal University of Technology) – professional courses like BBA, BCA, MBA, MCA.
       
    • Regulatory bodies: UGC, AICTE, NAAC, INC (for nursing).
       
  • Types of Colleges
     
    • Government Colleges: Siliguri College, A.P.C. Roy Govt. College, Surya Sen Mahavidyalaya.
       
    • Private Colleges: UBM College, Inspiria Knowledge Campus, Gyan Jyoti College.
       
    • Autonomous & Specialized Institutes: Nursing schools, hotel management, teacher training colleges.
       
  • Student-Friendly Zones
     
    • Sevoke Road & Pradhan Nagar: Popular PG and hostel areas.
       
    • Bagdogra & NJP proximity: Easy access for outstation students.
       

 


2026 Admissions Timeline (Month-by-Month)

Month

Key Events

January – March 2026

CUET-UG/PG registrations open; WBJEE, JENPAS applications start

April 2026

WBJEE exam, CUET-UG Phase 1

May 2026

NEET-UG exam, CUET continues

June 2026

Results of WBJEE, NEET, CUET (early phase); start of centralized counselling

July 2026

Merit lists for NBU-affiliated colleges; 1st round seat allotments

August 2026

2nd/3rd counselling rounds, spot admissions

September 2026

Session begins for most UG courses

October–November 2026

PG admissions continue; late spot rounds where seats are vacant

👉 Pro tip: Always apply early and keep backup options ready, as Siliguri’s popular colleges fill seats quickly after Round 1.

4. Eligibility & Documents

Eligibility (UG)

  • Minimum 50% in Class 12 for general category (45% for reserved categories).
     
  • Subject-specific requirements (e.g., Physics/Chemistry/Maths for engineering; PCB for medical/nursing).
     
  • CUET score accepted for many NBU-affiliated colleges.
     

Eligibility (PG)

  • Minimum 50% in UG degree (45% for reserved categories).
     
  • Subject alignment required (e.g., B.Com. for M.Com., B.Sc. for M.Sc.).
     
  • MBA/MCA often require entrance exams like CAT, MAT, JEMAT, or CUET-PG.
     

Documents Checklist

  • Class 10 & 12 mark sheets/certificates.
     
  • UG mark sheets (for PG applicants).
     
  • Entrance exam admit card & scorecard.
     
  • Caste certificate (if applicable).
     
  • Domicile certificate (for state quota).
     
  • Passport-sized photos.
     
  • Aadhaar or valid ID proof.
     

👉 Always scan documents clearly in JPEG/PDF (100–200 KB) as per portal rules.

 


5. Entrance Exams You Should Know (2026)

National Level

  • CUET UG/PG – Major route for NBU-affiliated colleges.
     
  • JEE Main – For B.Tech (via WBJEE counselling sometimes).
     
  • NEET UG – For MBBS, BDS, B.Sc. Nursing, paramedical.
     
  • CAT/MAT/CMAT – For MBA programs.
     

State Level (West Bengal)

  • WBJEE – Engineering/Technology.
     
  • JENPAS UG – Nursing & allied health sciences.
     
  • JELET – Lateral entry for diploma holders.
     
  • JECA – For MCA admissions.
     
  • JEMAT – MBA/MHA programs.
     

Course Mapping Example

  • B.Sc. Nursing → NEET / JENPAS-UG.
     
  • B.Tech/Engineering → WBJEE / JEE Main.
     
  • MBA → CUET-PG / JEMAT / CAT / MAT.
     
  • B.A./B.Sc./B.Com. → CUET UG or merit-based.
     

 


6. Application Walkthroughs

Centralized Portals

  • CUET (Samarth Portal) – UG/PG common exam registration.
     
  • WBJEEB – For WBJEE, JENPAS, JELET, JECA, JEMAT.
     

Institute-Level Portals

  • Some private colleges (like UBM, Inspiria) allow direct applications on their websites.
     
  • Faster processing, with options for early seat blocking.
     

Step-by-Step

  1. Register on the relevant portal (create ID, verify email/mobile).
     
  2. Fill in personal, academic, and course details.
     
  3. Upload documents (as per size/format).
     
  4. Pay application fee online.
     
  5. Download confirmation page.
     
  6. Track status via portal; keep SMS/email alerts on.
     

Pro Tips

  • Apply to both centralized & institute portals for maximum options.
     
  • Keep at least 3–4 photocopies of all documents ready for reporting.

7. Counselling & Seat Allotment

  • Rank Lists & Choice Filling
     
    • After results, candidates are ranked based on exam scores.
       
    • Students log into the counselling portal to fill preferences for colleges/courses.
       
  • Rounds of Counselling
     
    • Round 1: Highest-ranked students get first choice.
       
    • Round 2/3: Upgradation, sliding, and reshuffling of seats.
       
    • Spot/Mop-up Rounds: For leftover seats.
       
  • Allotment & Reporting
     
    • Once allotted, download allotment letter.
       
    • Pay seat acceptance fee.
       
    • Report to the college with originals for verification.
       

Tip: Always keep backup preferences — popular Siliguri colleges fill fast in Round 1.

 


8. Course-Specific Playbooks

Engineering/Technology

  • Exams: WBJEE, JEE Main.
     
  • Counselling: WBJEEB central counselling.
     
  • Specializations: CSE, ECE, Mechanical, Civil.
     

Nursing & Allied Health

  • Exams: NEET-UG, JENPAS-UG.
     
  • Counselling: WBJEEB/State Health portals.
     
  • Courses: B.Sc. Nursing, BPT, Allied Health.
     

Management

  • UG: BBA (CUET UG/college merit).
     
  • PG: MBA (CUET-PG, CAT, MAT, JEMAT).
     
  • Private colleges like UBM run dedicated MBA placement cells.
     

Arts/Science/Commerce

  • UG: CUET UG or merit under University of North Bengal.
     
  • PG: CUET PG/NBU entrance.
     

Computer Applications

  • BCA: Merit/CUET UG.
     
  • MCA: JECA exam → WBJEEB counselling.
     

 


9. Fees, Scholarships & ROI

Factor

Government Colleges

Private Colleges

Tuition Fees

₹5k – ₹25k/year

₹50k – ₹2.5 lakh/year

Hostel Fees

₹2k – ₹4k/month

₹4k – ₹8k/month

Scholarships

State/central (Swami Vivekananda, NSP)

Institute merit scholarships, sports quotas

ROI

Very high for academic track

Moderate to high for professional courses with placements


  • Government Schemes: Swami Vivekananda Merit-cum-Means, Kanyashree, OBC/SC/ST scholarships.
     
  • Central Schemes: NSP (National Scholarship Portal).
     
  • Private Aid: College-specific waivers for top performers or economically weaker students.
     

Tip: Always apply for scholarships early; many are first-come-first-serve.

10. Placements & Internships

  • Government Colleges
     
    • Focus is more on academics and research.
       
    • Limited structured placement support; many students prepare for competitive exams (UPSC, SSC, banking).
       
    • Internships are usually self-sourced.
       
  • Private Colleges
     
    • Active placement cells with recruiters from IT, banking, retail, healthcare.
       
    • Campus drives and summer internships often part of the curriculum.
       
    • Examples: UBM College, Inspiria regularly organize job fairs with regional and national companies.
       

Tip: Track placement records of the last 2–3 years to judge consistency, not just the highest package.

 


11. Hostels, PGs & Living Costs in Siliguri

  • Hostel Facilities
     
    • Government hostels: ₹2,000–₹4,000 per month, but limited seats.
       
    • Private college hostels: ₹4,000–₹8,000 per month, with modern amenities.
       
  • PG & Rentals
     
    • PGs near Sevoke Road, Pradhan Nagar, Hakim Para: ₹4,000–₹7,000 per month.
       
    • Shared flats: ₹6,000–₹10,000 depending on location and facilities.
       
  • Other Costs
     
    • Food: ₹2,000–₹3,500 per month (mess or tiffin services).
       
    • Transport: Local autos/e-rickshaws (~₹500–₹1,500 monthly).
       
    • Healthcare: Access to hospitals like Neotia Getwel, Anandaloke.
       

 


12. Lateral Entry, Credit Transfer & Migration

  • Lateral Entry
     
    • Diploma holders can join directly into 2nd year B.Tech via JELET (WBJEEB).
       
    • Similar options exist for B.Pharm and other professional programs.
       
  • Credit Transfer (CBCS/NEP 2020)
     
    • Students can shift credits between colleges under Choice Based Credit System.
       
    • Helpful for those relocating or changing specialization.
       
  • Migration
     
    • Possible between NBU-affiliated colleges with valid reason (transfer, relocation).
       
    • Requires No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current college and approval from university.
       

13. International, NRI & Neighboring Country Applicants

  • Eligibility
     
    • Must meet equivalent Class 12/UG criteria.
       
    • Foreign qualifications need equivalence from AIU (Association of Indian Universities).
       
  • Visa & FRRO
     
    • Student visa required for international applicants.
       
    • Register with FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) within 14 days of arrival.
       
  • Medical Insurance
     
    • Mandatory for most colleges.
       
    • Covers hospitalization, accidents, and repatriation.
       
  • Fees & Scholarships
     
    • NRI/international fee slabs are higher.
       
    • Limited scholarships; some private colleges like UBM may offer discounts for SAARC students (Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh).
       

 


14. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

  • Missed Deadlines → Keep a calendar with alerts for every exam/application.
     
  • Incorrect Documents → Upload blurred or wrong-size scans; always follow portal guidelines.
     
  • Choice Filling Errors → Poorly ordered preferences during counselling can cost you a good seat.
     
  • Relying on Verbal Offers → Always wait for official allotment letters.
     
  • Not Knowing Refund Rules → Many colleges follow UGC guidelines: full/partial refunds if withdrawn before session starts.
     

Tip: Double-check every application before final submission and keep copies of confirmation receipts.

 


15. Decision Framework & Comparison Tools

  • Shortlisting Framework
     
    • Check academics (faculty, NAAC grade).
       
    • Evaluate costs (tuition + living).
       
    • Look at placements (average, not just highest).
       
    • Consider campus culture (location, societies, exposure).
       
  • Sample Decision Matrix
     

Factor

Weightage

College A

College B

Academics

30%

8/10

7/10

Fees/ROI

25%

9/10

6/10

Placements

25%

7/10

8/10

Campus Life

20%

6/10

9/10

Total

100%

7.6

7.5


 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Do I need CUET for all colleges in Siliguri in 2026?
Not all. Many NBU-affiliated colleges accept CUET, but some still admit students based on merit lists. Private colleges like UBM College may also allow direct admission.

2. Can I apply to both government and private colleges at the same time?
Yes. You can apply through centralized counselling for government seats and directly to private colleges to keep your options open.

3. What if I miss Round 1 counselling?
You can still participate in Round 2 or mop-up rounds, but your choices may be limited. Apply early for better chances.

4. Are scholarships available for private colleges?
Yes. Apart from state and central scholarships, many private colleges (including UBM College) offer merit-based or need-based fee waivers.

5. Can international students apply for 2026 admissions in Siliguri?
Yes. Students from Nepal, Bhutan, and Bangladesh often apply. You’ll need equivalent certificates, a student visa, and FRRO registration.

 


Final Call-to-Action

Admissions in Siliguri are getting more competitive every year. Whether you’re targeting a government college for its affordability or a private institute like UBM College for its industry-ready courses and placements, planning early is key.

👉 Ready to secure your future? Visit UBM College’s Admission Page to apply now and take the first step toward your dream career.


 

Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is compiled from official college websites, public records, and reliable education sources. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, details such as fees, courses, eligibility, and placement statistics are subject to change by the respective institutions without prior notice.

Readers are strongly advised to verify the latest information directly with the college or university before making any admission or financial decisions. This blog is for informational purposes only and does not represent official statements of any institution mentioned.

We do not claim, guarantee, or endorse outcomes such as placements, scholarships, or admission offers. The use of college names is purely for reference and does not imply partnership, sponsorship, or official affiliation.

By using this content, you agree that the author is not responsible for any errors, omissions, or consequences arising from reliance on the information provided.


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