ISLAMABAD: The Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) gave no time to students seeking admission to its affiliated Islamabad model postgraduate colleges.

It issued the notification for admission on October 20, the last date for submitting admission forms, which not only confused students but the administrations of the colleges as well.

The letter was received by the colleges after expiry of deadline.

A professor of the Islamabad Model Postgraduate College, H-8, said: “We are confused as students have refused to pay double fee; we will take up the issue with the university for rectification of this blunder.”

The letter No.Reg/2014/ 397 written by assistant registrar stated: “Admission process for the master’s programme 2014-15 has been started with the declaration of bachelor’s result of QAU on September 17.

“According to rules, the admission process should be completed by all ICT-affiliated colleges within four weeks after the declaration of the result.”

The letter fixed October 20 as deadline for submitting forms with normal fee. First deadline for accepting admission with late fee is November 4, the second, November 19 and third is Dec 2.

When contacted, the university’s controller examination Sardar Babar said: “I have no knowledge about the letter in question. But I agree that affiliated institutions should be given suitable time for submitting admission and registration fee.” He said he would look into the matter.

It is relevant to note here that almost 15 colleges are associated with QAU, out of which eight are running master degree programmes. They are Islamabad Model Postgraduate College H-8/4, Islamabad Postgraduate Commerce College, H-8, Islamabad Model Postgraduate College for Girls G-10/4, Islamabad Model Postgraduate College for Girls F-7/2, Islamabad Model Colleges for Girls F-6/2 and F-7/4.

Talking to Dawn, Professor Sagheer Ahmed Mirani, President Federal Government College Association, said QAU could not develop an error-free examination mechanism. “Earlier, during BA/BSc examination they committed a number of blunders i.e. late and wrong distribution of question papers. They made several mistakes while declaring position holders, and had to rectify later,” he said.

The university should rectify this mistake and give time to students for submission of admission with normal fee,” he said.

Despite repeated attempts, acting Vice Chancellor of the QAU could not be contacted.

Published in Dawn, October 26th, 2014