According to the present norm, CU took the aggregate of five subjects. Environmental studies, however, will not be included amongst the best four subjects. The candidates should qualify in English. "There are some boards where qualifying in English is not mandatory for qualifying in the Plus II level. Such students will not be granted admission," said Prof Shyamal Sarkar, secretary, undergraduate council. The decision was taken at the review committee meeting today and the undergraduate council approved it. The matter will now be placed before the Syndicate.

Meanwhile, CU will reconsider the admission of 20 students, which were earlier cancelled as their admission did not conform to CU norms. "The matter has been left for the vice chancellor, Prof Asis Banerjee's consideration," said Prof Sarkar.

Despite CU's directive of excluding environmental studies among the best of five subjects selected for admission, many colleges flouted this rule.

The colleges that have come under the scanner include Presidency College, Scottish Church College, Vidyasagar College for Women and Budge Budge College. The college authorities had later appealed to the university to consider a few cases.

Again, students under 1+1+1 (old) regulation, who had failed to qualify for the elective papers will be given a second chance and will be able to appear for all the honours and elective papers again. According to the usual norm, honours candidates, who fail to qualify in the elective papers will be considered as general candidates and will sit for Part III examination without the honours papers.

The UG council today decided to allow these candidates to appear for Part II examination that would include both honours and elective papers.