The Standpoint

Despair for aspirants as cut-offs soar

By

Abhishek Mukherjee

Millions of teenagers all over the country look up towards Delhi University as an ambitious dream, even as just fantasy – the University campuses are teeming with young aspirants anxious to be a part of some of the best institutions in the country and advance towards college life and bright adulthood. The mad race graduates to fearful levels each year when the cut-off percentages required for admissions reach unscalable levels.

Thus it is always expected that colleges such as St. Stephens, Hindu, Hansraj, Delhi College of Arts and Commerce (DCAC), Venkateshwara and Sri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) would admit students only with superhuman academic performances. Board results are still the only criteria to judge eligibility, a worrisome trend since in many ways it leads to inequality and unfairness.

This year has proved no exception with cut-offs going even higher than last year. With admissions in sought-after courses in many colleges being closed before the third cut-off list that released on July 4, countless students and their parents are left in despair.

Sri Ram College of Commerce, Hansraj, Kirorimal, Zakir Hussain and Gargi among other colleges have already filled up their seats for B.Com (H), and Ramjas has released its cut-off for the course to range between 93.25 to 97.5, registering a drop of 0.5 percent.

In esteemed colleges the cut-offs for popular courses always hover around mid-nineties.

In St. Stephens, however, exceptional marks in the Boards are not a guarantee for admissions. After sifting students through sky-high cut –offs, the college further reduces the number of applicants through interviews. Nervousness and the fear of failure grips students as they sit on the benches waiting for their turn for the interview.

“They asked me a few tough questions, but were friendly. I really hope I get through,” says Nitin Sagarwal of Pratibha Vikas Vidyalaya after his interview session for admission to Physics (H) at St. Stephens. The ratio for admissions for science students is as high as 6:1.

Admission for courses such as Journalism (H) and English (H) are on the basis of entrance test performances. It seems a much better approach since only the most suitable students for the course are selected.

Delhi University, in this admission season has also initiated new measures such as the semester system and anti-ragging laws.

Among the measures taken by authorities to curb the negative influence of ragging, introduction of a national ragging helpline is the most vital one, for those going through severe mental trauma need a voice to be heard.

Under the new regulations, the University Grants Commission has also devised stringent penalties for students found involved in ragging, and the educational institutions that fail to put an end to this menace.

The introduction of the semester system has been a point of debate.

As the most prestigious institution for higher education in India, Delhi University does have areas to address to. The admission process needs a re-look since admission seekers are left dissatisfied each year as Board percentage requirements reach alarming levels.