Ahmedabad: Admissions to undergraduate programmes across Gujarat will be conducted exclusively through the Gujarat Common Admission Service (GCAS) portal this year, covering all 15 govt universities and six private universities, along with their affiliated arts, commerce and science colleges.Earlier, more than eight autonomous colleges opposed joining the centralised admission process. Prominent institutions such as MG Science Institute, HL College of Commerce, and St Xavier’s College — affiliated with Gujarat University — initially expressed reservations. While MG Science and HL College later agreed to adopt GCAS, St Xavier’s College refused participation, citing its minority status.Sources indicated that apart from minority considerations, autonomous colleges were concerned about the lengthy admission cycle under GCAS, which previously involved as many as 32 rounds. Managing such an extended process was seen as impractical for institutions with autonomous status.Addressing these concerns, authorities have now officially limited the GCAS process to just three rounds. After the completion of these rounds, the remaining admission process will be handed over to the respective colleges or universities.Following this revision, clarity has emerged that all autonomous colleges, including St Xavier’s College, will also participate in the GCAS-based admission process. This marks a significant shift from earlier resistance and ensures a uniform, streamlined system for student admissions across the state.With this move, the state aims to bring greater transparency, efficiency, and standardisation to the undergraduate admission process for the academic year.
