The University provides an opportunity for us to grow, interact and indulge in research, says Chitra Roy

By: Chitra Roy

But admission at University of Calcutta for postgraduate courses is highly competitive due to very limited number of seats. It is always better to clear the common entrance exam with a good score if one does not have a good honours score or is from any other university.

The process of choosing the course of study in school was initially very difficult but later became pretty simple and easy for me. I was always advised to follow my heart and choose the subjects I loved and that is what I did. At first, I had to figure out which are the subjects I wanted to study in future for my career. I always had an interest in biology and my decision of pursuing this was firm. This actually helped me to focus on the right subjects and score decently in exams which helped me a lot in applying for the undergraduate courses.
I already had the list of colleges shortlisted for applying for undergraduate courses. Choosing the right course is difficult but if one has a plan about what one wants to do in future, the pathway becomes a lot easier.

Initially, I was interested in the industrial field of biology (pharmaceuticals) and fermentation technology so I chose Microbiology. But later with time, I developed an interest in Molecular Biology and Cell Biology. I was able to think critically and analyze the concepts well. My interest grew in this subject and I was pretty clear about pursuing my Masters in Biotechnology.
So it was the diversity of the course module of the University of Calcutta due to which I applied here and now I'm totally enjoying every bit of it.

I had completed my undergraduate degree from Asutosh College, University of Calcutta. Now, I was applying to the same university for my masters i.e Ballygunge Science College, University of Calcutta so I did not have to give any entrance exam. I was determined to stay in Kolkata for my postgraduation. I was selected on the basis of my academic record for my graduation. I had a good honours score with the first division. But admission at University of Calcutta for postgraduate courses is highly competitive due to very limited number of seats. It is always better to clear the common entrance exam with a good score if one does not have a good honours score or is from any other university.

My admission was completely based on my graduation marks. During graduation, I completely focused on my studies, secured good grades and took classes to clear the state university entrance exams. Since I was determined in staying here in Kolkata, I also applied for a similar course at Jadavpur University and Presidency University and cleared the entrance exams.

Ballygunge Science College, University of Calcutta has a green campus - a perfect place for one to pursue higher studies. The best part about this University is the ambience and high-quality laboratories. The university has amazing professors who are always there to share their experiences and guide the students through all the academic problems and difficulties. The knowledge that the college provides to the students helps them to boost their interest in research every single day. Since I'm from the Biotechnology Department, I spend most of my time in the laboratory. The long hours in the laboratory are never exhausting because of the amazing and helpful scholars who lighten up the entire atmosphere with their enthusiasm every day. The university provides an opportunity for us to grow, interact and indulge in research.

I also spend my time at the campus hanging out in the canteen, digital library or on the sports ground. Usually, laboratory classes are in the second half and theory classes are in the morning. I love to attend all the classes. My favourites include Genetics and Cancer Biology, Immunology, Cell and Molecular Biology. Theory classes involve professors from various departments like Microbiology, Genetics, Biochemistry etc.

The best part of the University is that the professors are very encouraging. I never felt demotivated or discouraged. There is always something inspiring to move forward in every semester. The entire working ambience is wonderful and encouraging. The professors keep pushing each student for a summer internship and industrial training. The internship is compulsory in the curriculum. Every day I push myself to work hard and dream big. This is the place which keeps on motivating me to research. Being a part of the interactive sessions and seminars have helped me develop my personality.

About the Author:

Chitra Roy is currently pursuing Masters in Biotechnology from the University of Calcutta. She has an academic background in Microbiology which has made her interest grow in knowing about fermentation process at the brewery. She wants to pursue PhD. Her research interests revolve around Oncology, RNA biology and in the cancer research field. Also, she is an avid reader and writer.