Kolkata, 4 July 2025:
In a landmark initiative aimed at guiding students towards informed academic decisions, the Association of Professional Academic Institutions, West Bengal (APAI-WB) organized its first-ever Pre-Counselling & Education Fair in Kolkata today at the iconic Netaji Indoor Stadium. The event follows successful editions in Siliguri, Midnapore, and Durgapur, and comes just days ahead of the much-anticipated WBJEE 2025 results.
The fair attracted an impressive turnout of students and parents from Kolkata and surrounding districts, eager to explore career pathways in Engineering, Technology, Pharmacy, Architecture, and Management. The event was formally inaugurated in the presence of eminent dignitaries, including:
- Shri Sobhandeb Chattopadhyay, MIC, Parliamentary Affairs, Government of West Bengal
- Smt. Sonali Chakravarti Banerjee, Chairperson, West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board & Vice-Chancellor, West Bengal State University
- Dr. Dibyendu Kar, Registrar, West Bengal Joint Entrance Examinations Board
- Dr. Debashis De, Professor, Department of CSE, MAKAUT-WB, and Nominee of the Vice Chancellor, MAKAUT
APAI’s leadership Shri Taranjit Singh (President & Chancellor, JIS University), Shri Satyam Roychowdhury (General Secretary & Chancellor, Sister Nivedita University & Techno India University-Tripura), and Shri Alok Tibrewal (Treasurer) were also present to spearhead the initiative.
With over 85% of WBJEEB-allocated seats in engineering and pharmacy represented through APAI member institutions under MAKAUT, the fair served as a vital academic roadmap for students from Class 10, Class 12, and graduate levels. Visitors explored a broad spectrum of programs, from traditional engineering disciplines to cutting-edge fields like Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning, Cybersecurity, Internet of Things, Data Science, as well as MCA, MBA, BCA, BBA, Architecture, and Hospitality Management.
“Kolkata is the academic heart of Bengal, and it was only fitting that we brought this initiative here,” said Sardar Taranjit Singh, President, APAI-WB. “Our goal is to handhold students and parents through the complex admission journey and introduce them to institutions that prioritize both innovation and affordability. The overwhelming turnout today is a testament to the demand for such guidance.”
Echoing the sentiment, Sri Satyam Roychowdhury, General Secretary, APAI-WB added, “This fair is not just about showcasing institutions it’s about showing possibilities. We want every student to dream big and realize that world-class education and global opportunities are available right here in West Bengal. We are building futures, not just careers.”
About APAI-WB
Founded in 2005, the Association of Professional Academic Institutions, West Bengal (APAI-WB) is the representative body for all self-financed colleges in the state affiliated to MAKAUT-WB and approved by AICTE. It continues to play a crucial role in driving academic excellence and enhancing the employability of youth across West Bengal.
