Admission Cut-off Analysis
The University of Science and Technology Meghalaya (USTM) follows a competitive admission process for its undergraduate programs, with cut-off ranks determined based on the performance of candidates in the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Main and other qualifying examinations. The cut-off ranks are updated annually and vary depending on the category of the candidate, the program offered, and the number of seats available.
For the academic year 2024, USTM has set the following cut-off ranks for its various programs:
| Program | General | EWS | OBC | SC | ST | PwD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Science and Engineering | 12,000 | 15,000 | 18,000 | 20,000 | 22,000 | 10,000 |
| Electronics and Communication Engineering | 14,000 | 17,000 | 20,000 | 22,000 | 24,000 | 12,000 |
| Mechanical Engineering | 16,000 | 19,000 | 22,000 | 24,000 | 26,000 | 14,000 |
| Civil Engineering | 18,000 | 21,000 | 24,000 | 26,000 | 28,000 | 16,000 |
| Applied Sciences | 20,000 | 23,000 | 26,000 | 28,000 | 30,000 | 18,000 |
Historical Cut-off Trends
The cut-off ranks for USTM have shown a gradual increase over the years, reflecting the growing popularity of the university and the increasing competitiveness of the admission process. In 2020, the cut-off ranks were relatively lower, with the highest cut-off being 25,000 for Computer Science and Engineering in the General category. However, by 2024, the cut-off ranks had increased significantly, with the highest cut-off reaching 20,000 for the same program.
This trend indicates that USTM is becoming increasingly recognized as a premier institution for science and technology education, attracting a larger number of high-performing candidates. The increase in cut-off ranks is also attributed to the expansion of programs and the introduction of new specializations, which has led to an increase in the number of seats available.
For the past few years, USTM has maintained a consistent trend of increasing cut-off ranks, with the General category cut-offs showing the most significant increase. This trend is expected to continue in the coming years, as the university continues to enhance its academic offerings and infrastructure.
JoSAA/CSAB Counseling Process
Admission to USTM is conducted through the Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) and the Central Seat Allocation Board (CSAB) counseling process. The counseling process is designed to ensure a fair and transparent allocation of seats to candidates based on their performance and preferences.
The JoSAA/CSAB counseling process begins with the release of the JEE Main rank list, followed by the release of the counseling schedule and seat availability. Candidates who have appeared for JEE Main and have qualified for the counseling process are required to register and fill in their preferences for the programs and colleges they wish to be considered for admission.
After the preferences are submitted, the counseling process begins, with the allocation of seats based on the candidate's rank, preferences, and the availability of seats. The process is conducted in multiple rounds, with each round providing an opportunity for candidates to secure admission to their preferred programs.
Candidates who are not allocated a seat in the first round of counseling can participate in the subsequent rounds, provided they meet the eligibility criteria and have not already been allocated a seat. The process continues until all seats are filled or the counseling schedule is completed.
The counseling process also includes the payment of seat acceptance fees, which must be paid by candidates who wish to confirm their admission. The fees are refundable in case of non-attendance or withdrawal from the counseling process.
Admission Categories and Eligibility
USTM follows a category-based admission system, with different cut-off ranks for various categories including General, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, and PwD. The eligibility criteria for each category are defined by the government and are subject to change based on the latest guidelines.
The General category includes candidates who do not belong to any reserved category. The EWS (Economically Weaker Section) category includes candidates whose family income is below a specified threshold. The OBC (Other Backward Classes) category includes candidates from OBC communities, with different sub-categories such as OBC-NCL and OBC-OBC.
The SC (Scheduled Caste) and ST (Scheduled Tribe) categories include candidates from Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe communities, respectively. The PwD (Persons with Disabilities) category includes candidates with disabilities as defined by the government.
Candidates belonging to reserved categories are eligible for relaxation in cut-off ranks, which is designed to ensure that students from these categories have equal access to quality education. The relaxation in cut-off ranks is subject to verification of the candidate's category and the submission of relevant documents.
Seat Availability and Allocation
USTM offers a total of 1,200 seats across its various programs, with the distribution of seats varying based on the demand for each program. The allocation of seats is based on the number of candidates who qualify for the counseling process and the preferences submitted by the candidates.
The university also reserves a certain number of seats for candidates who belong to reserved categories, ensuring that students from these categories have access to quality education. The reservation is based on the percentage of candidates from each category who have qualified for the counseling process.
Seats are allocated in multiple rounds, with each round providing an opportunity for candidates to secure admission to their preferred programs. The allocation is based on the candidate's rank, preferences, and the availability of seats in the respective programs.
Admission Guidelines and Procedures
USTM follows a strict admission procedure that is designed to ensure fairness and transparency in the allocation of seats. Candidates are required to meet the eligibility criteria and submit the necessary documents for verification.
The admission process begins with the release of the counseling schedule, followed by the registration of candidates and the submission of preferences. Candidates who have qualified for the counseling process are required to participate in the rounds of counseling to secure admission to their preferred programs.
After the allocation of seats, candidates who have been allocated a seat are required to confirm their admission by paying the seat acceptance fees. The fees are refundable in case of non-attendance or withdrawal from the counseling process.
USTM also provides support services to candidates who face difficulties during the admission process. The university has a dedicated counseling cell that provides guidance and assistance to candidates throughout the admission process.