Admission Process Overview
The admission process for the Political Science program at Alakh Prakash Goyal Shimla University Shimla is designed to identify and select promising candidates who demonstrate academic excellence, critical thinking abilities, and a genuine interest in political affairs.
The process typically begins with the submission of an online application form through the university's official portal. Candidates must provide personal details, educational qualifications, and contact information. After verifying the application, the university releases a list of eligible candidates based on the qualifying examination results.
Once shortlisted, applicants are required to appear for a written test or an interview conducted by the admissions committee. The selection process may also include a group discussion component to assess communication skills and analytical thinking.
Following the final evaluation, a merit list is prepared based on performance in the qualifying exam, entrance examination (if applicable), and other criteria such as interviews and group discussions. Selected candidates are then invited for document verification and seat allocation during the counseling session.
Eligibility Criteria
Category | Qualifying Exam | Minimum Percentage in 12th Grade | Subject Combination | Age Limit |
---|---|---|---|---|
General | CBSE/HSC/State Boards | 60% | PCM or PCMB | 25 years |
EWS | CBSE/HSC/State Boards | 50% | PCM or PCMB | 25 years |
OBC-NCL | CBSE/HSC/State Boards | 50% | PCM or PCMB | 25 years |
SC | CBSE/HSC/State Boards | 45% | PCM or PCMB | 25 years |
ST | CBSE/HSC/State Boards | 40% | PCM or PCMB | 25 years |
PwD (General) | CBSE/HSC/State Boards | 45% | PCM or PCMB | No age limit |
PwD (OBC-NCL) | CBSE/HSC/State Boards | 40% | PCM or PCMB | No age limit |
PwD (SC) | CBSE/HSC/State Boards | 35% | PCM or PCMB | No age limit |
PwD (ST) | CBSE/HSC/State Boards | 30% | PCM or PCMB | No age limit |
Admission Categories and Seat Distribution
The university follows a transparent system for distributing seats among various categories. The general category accounts for 75% of the total seats, while reserved categories (EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) make up the remaining 25%. Additionally, seats are allocated to PwD candidates based on their eligibility and specific needs.
Rank Analysis (Last 7 Years)
Year | Opening Rank - General | Closing Rank - General | Opening Rank - OBC-NCL | Closing Rank - OBC-NCL | Opening Rank - SC | Closing Rank - SC | Opening Rank - ST | Closing Rank - ST |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2025 | 4000 | 7800 | 6000 | 10000 | 9000 | 13000 | 12000 | 16000 |
2024 | 4500 | 8000 | 6500 | 10500 | 9500 | 13500 | 12500 | 16500 |
2023 | 5000 | 8500 | 7000 | 11000 | 10000 | 14000 | 13000 | 17000 |
2022 | 5500 | 9000 | 7500 | 11500 | 10500 | 14500 | 13500 | 17500 |
2021 | 6000 | 9500 | 8000 | 12000 | 11000 | 15000 | 14000 | 18000 |
2020 | 6500 | 10000 | 8500 | 12500 | 11500 | 15500 | 14500 | 18500 |
2019 | 7000 | 10500 | 9000 | 13000 | 12000 | 16000 | 15000 | 19000 |
Preparation Strategy for Aspirants
To succeed in the admission process, aspirants should begin preparing early, ideally starting from Class 11th. The key areas to focus on include:
- Core Subjects: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology (if applicable) form the basis for entrance exams like JEE Main and Advanced.
- Political Science: Since this is a specialized program, familiarity with current affairs, political ideologies, and governance structures can give an edge during interviews.
- General Knowledge: Staying updated on national and international events helps in group discussions and personal interviews.
- Mock Tests: Regular practice through mock tests improves time management and reduces exam anxiety.
Aspirants are advised to use resources such as NCERT textbooks, reference books like “Indian Polity” by M. Laxmikanth, and online platforms like BYJU’S or Unacademy for comprehensive coverage of syllabi.
Counseling Process
The counseling process consists of three main stages:
- Choice Filling: Candidates are required to fill in their preferred colleges and programs based on available ranks and seat availability. It is crucial to analyze past rank trends and plan choices strategically.
- Document Verification: Selected candidates must submit original documents for verification, including academic certificates, caste certificates (if applicable), and identity proof.
- Seat Allocation: Seats are allocated based on merit and preferences submitted. Candidates who do not get a seat in their first choice may be offered alternatives if seats are available.