M.A. in Political Science 

at Panjab University, Chandigarh

PU-CET (PG) is an entrance exam conducted by Panjab University Chandigarh for admission to its various post-graduate courses. PU-CET (PG) syllabus includes all the important topics of subjects that are relevant for business and general aptitude. For the PU-CET (PG) exam, candidates have to study Verbal Ability, Reasoning, General Knowledge and Data Interpretation. PU-CET (PG) exam preparation: Candidates should devise a strategy in advance. They must have a good idea of PU-CET (PG) exam pattern, the section-wise break-up, topic-wise weightage and the expected difficulty level of the question paper. 

For Panjab University admission 2024, the university conducts multiple entrance exams such as PUMET, PUCET, PGLAW, PUMEET, PU UGLAW, PU MPhil and PhD Entrance Test, among others, for admission to its UG, PG and doctoral-level courses. However, candidates can reach out to the admission office to understand if there are any seats available to PU programmes for direct admission. The online link to fill and submit the online admission form for UG/ Certificate courses can be checked on the official website. Candidates seeking admission via the sports category must submit the certificate/ documents in the office of Campus Sports (Gymnasium Building, Jawaharlal Nehru Complex), PU, Chandigarh on or before the last date for submission of admission form. 

Panjab University has a multi-step admission process which students need to follow to get into the university. Starting with the application, students are required to go through the course-specific entrance exam followed by other selection rounds (if applicable). After the selection rounds are over, course-wise merit lists are released on the official website (with the names of the shortlisted students) of the university post which interested candidates can submit the fee and confirm their admission. Additionally, Admission to all the UG and PG programmes is based on merit and entrance exam. Candidates must check the eligibility criteria on the official website of Panjab University, before filling out the admission form. The university conducts multiple entrance exams such as PU MET PUCET, PGLAW, PUMEET, PU UGLAW PU M.Phil and Ph.D. Entrance Test, among others, for admission to its UG, PG and doctoral-level courses.

Yes, Punjab University is under CUET. All postgraduate courses at Central University of Punjab, including the M.Ed., require CUET PG. If you have not taken the CUET PG, the university will not evaluate your application for admission.

A national level entrance test for postgraduate programs in India is called the Common University Entrance Test (CUET PG). The National Testing Agency (NTA) is in charge of conducting it. The test consists of three portions and is based on multiple-choice questions:

Subject-specific Test (SST) and General Test (GAT)
WAT: Writing Ability Test
The GAT part evaluates the candidate's aptitude and general knowledge. The SST portion assesses the candidate's familiarity with the field of study they intend to pursue. A candidate's writing abilities are evaluated in the WAT portion.

Admission to postgraduate programs at Central University of Punjab is entirely based on performance in the CUET PG exam. Your other academic credentials, such as the grades you earned in your bachelor's degree, won't be taken into account by the university for admission.

Panjab University offers a wide range of Undergraduate, Postgraduate, and Doctoral programs in a variety of disciplines. PU offers more than 800 courses in the streams of Science, Humanities & Social Sciences, Management, Accounting & Commerce, Engineering, Law, Teaching & Education, Arts, Architecture & Planning, Medicine & Health Sciences, Mass Communication, Hospitality & Travel, Design, Banking & Finance, Beauty & Fitness, and Nursing. Panjab University course admission is based on merit or entrance exam. For more information related to courses at PU, candidates can click here.

As mentioned above, admission to BE at Panjab University is subject to a valid score in JEE Main exam followed by JAC Chandigarh Counselling. All the affiliated colleges of Panjab University offering BTech are part of JAC Chandigarh counselling. Hence, the selection criteria of PU BTech is completed via JAC Chandigarh Counselling. To add, the university also conducts and considers the scores of PU LEET and PU MEET scores for lateral entry admissions. Additionally, Panjab University conducts the PULEET exam for admission to the second year of BTech. However, for first-year BTech students, the university considers the scores of JEE Main followed by JAC counselling. All the affiliated colleges of Panjab University offering BTech are part of JAC Chandigarh counselling. Hence, the selection criteria of PU BTech is JEE Main followed by JAC Chandigarh Counselling. 

Candidates preparing for IITs are only required to appear for the JEE Advanced entrance exam after qualifying JEE Main. Students who who secure above the 98th percentile in JEE Main 2024 Session 2 should start preparing for JEE Advanced 2025 immediately. Those who score between 95th and 98th percentile should focus on improving their JEE Main score by taking multiple mock tests and practicing previous year's question papers. By analysing their strengths and weaknesses, candidates can identify their areas of proficiency and topics where they need improvement. If they can achieve full marks in their practice sessions, they can start preparing for JEE Advanced. However, if they cannot score full marks, it is recommended that they appear for multiple mock test series for more practice. 

Panjab University has a multi-step admission process which students need to follow to get into the university. Starting with the application, students are required to go through the course-specific entrance exam followed by other selection rounds (if applicable). After the selection rounds are over, course-wise merit lists are released on the official website (with the names of the shortlisted students) of the university post which interested candidates can submit the fee and confirm their admission. Additionally, Admission to all the UG and PG programmes is based on merit and entrance exam. Candidates must check the eligibility criteria on the official website of Panjab University, before filling out the admission form.

{Source: M.A. students & alumni}

After analyzing the feedback from current students and alumni, here's a summary of the pros and cons:

Pros:

* Good faculty: Many students praised the professors' qualifications, knowledge, and approachability.
* Well-structured course curriculum: The curriculum is relevant, and students appreciate the theoretical foundations.
* Infrastructure and amenities: The campus is well-maintained, with decent facilities, including a library, gym, and recreational spaces.
* Exposure to various activities: The university offers various extracurricular activities, festivals, and events, allowing students to explore their interests.

Cons:

* Placement record: The placement rate is relatively low, and many students rely on self-effort or pursuing higher education (e.g., NET or Ph.D.) for career advancement.
* Limited industry connections: The university's ties with industries seem limited, resulting in fewer job opportunities for students.
* Research-oriented internships: While some internships are available, they tend to be research-focused rather than corporate-driven, limiting practical experience.
* Academic intensity: Some students felt that the course load was too heavy, with little scope for hands-on learning or industry application.

In conclusion, whether M.A. at Panjab University is worth the investment depends on individual goals and expectations. For those seeking a strong academic foundation and theoretical knowledge, the university seems suitable. However, for those looking for direct industry exposure, job guarantees, or extensive career opportunities, they may need to supplement their degree with additional efforts or consider alternative options.

Recommendation: If you're considering the M.A. programme at Panjab University, weigh the pros and cons carefully, focusing on your academic and career aspirations. Consider networking with faculty and peers, exploring extracurricular activities, and developing transferable skills to enhance your prospects.

Panjab University BSc seat allotment is based on the rank obtained by candidates in the PU CET UG. The seat intake for the BSc  and BSc Hons programmes offered at Panjab University through its various affiliated colleges is more than 11,000. Given below is the seat intake for some of the colleges offering the programmes:

Institutes	Seats
Panjab University	489
Goswami Ganesh Dutta SD College	420
Dharma College	360
Shri Guru Gobind Singh Khalsa College Mahilpur	315
Guru Nanak College For Girls	180
Government Home Science College, Chandigarh	170
Rayat Bahra Group of Institutes, Ropar Campus	150
GMCH Chandigarh - Government Medical College and Hospital	100