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Delhi University’s SOL launches Center for Innovative Skill-based Courses (CISBC)

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Delhi University’s School of Open Learning (SOL) launches 30 short-term courses catering to various fields under the Open Learning Development Centre. 

The School of Open Learning has launched the registration process for its Centre for Innovative Skill-Based Courses (CISBC). This initiative offers thirty short-term skill-based certificate courses ranging from 25 to 30 hours with a maximum duration of 6 months. These courses are designed to accommodate learners’ diverse schedules and preferences, with options available in offline, online, and hybrid formats.

Registration for the courses officially began on February 15th and will remain open until March 15th, 2024. The courses are set to commence on April 2nd, 2024, providing ample time for interested individuals to enroll. These courses welcome registrations from all, including University of Delhi students, with admission being granted on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on seat availability. As per the official website, for courses with fees exceeding Rs. 1000/-, upon reaching a batch size of 40–50 students, 10% of the supernumerary seats will be reserved for Economically Weaker Section candidates at subsidised rates, subject to screening.

Among the thirty courses available under the CISBC are English Proficiency, GST Executive, Cyber Security, Tax Assessment, Motor Driving, Medical Transcription, Wealth Management Programme, Medical Transcription, Radio Jockeying, Bakery and Confectionery, A/C and Refrigerator Repair, and Beauty and Hair Makeup, among others. 

As per the reports from India Today, Professor Payal Mago, the Director of SOL, highlighted that these valuable skill-based certificate courses would offer students a chance to improve their opportunities for employment.

She emphasised that these courses are highly effective in preparing students for job opportunities by imparting practical skills aligned with current industry demands. The accessible programmes will provide a joint certification from Delhi University and esteemed national and international organisations, enhancing students’ credentials.

The portal was launched on January 31 under the chairmanship of the Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University, Professor Yogesh Singh. He saw this centre as a ‘life changer’, opening doors for students to access skill-based courses. A brochure detailing all the courses was also distributed on the same day. 

For any queries, applicants can email [email protected] or call 9318354363, 9318354636.

Read Also: Inquiry to be Launched Against 12 DU Colleges Funded by the Delhi Government

Featured Image Source- India Today

Dhairya Chhabra

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Campus Central

DU Students may avail 40% of their Courses Online through Swayam Portal

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The University of Delhi is planning to provide up to 40 per cent of its courses through online medium. DU will place a proposal with this as an agenda item before the University’s Academic Council during its meeting scheduled for November 30, 2023. This will include discussions on the inclusion of Swayam, to supplement the current teaching-learning process in the institute.

The proposal is made in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020; which intends to achieve 50 per cent Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education by the year 2035 with the help of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) provided by the Swayam portal; an online learning platform by University Grants Commission.

Before this, under the UGC Regulations, 2016 (Credit Framework for Online Learning Courses through SWAYAM), the institution could allow only up to 20% of the total courses being offered in a particular programme in a semester through the online learning courses provided on the platform.

These regulations were then considered and approved by the Academic Council in 2019, followed by recommending their approval to DU’s Executive Council which also approved and accepted them.

However the UGC, in its notification, later in the year 2021, revised the regulations; stating that institutions may allow up to 40% of the classes online.

The higher educational institutions may allow only up to 40% of the total courses being offered in a particular programme in a semester through the online credit course through the SWAYAM platform.” -UGC (Credit Framework for Online Learning Courses through SWAYAM) Regulations, 2021

UGC also asked the higher educational institutions to devise a framework for credit transfer and integration of these online courses with existing programmes.

All universities to adopt the courses offered through SWAYAM platform so that the students’ community is able to reap maximum benefits.”

While more deductions and detailed analysis of the notification can only be made once the Academic Council meeting takes place, DU allowing online courses as part of the semester curriculum will have wide ranging implications for the University as well as the students.

Delhi University’s Commerce Department is likely to be the first to implement MOOCs and develop its course content based on the curriculum of the university. In a Departmental Council meeting in February this year, the various details including intricacies like the title of the MOOC to be offered, its course coordinator, and credits to be assigned for the same have been decided and approved.

Read Also: Recruitment Process On the Go for DU Faculty

Featured Image Credits: The Wire

Kavya Vashisht

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News

DU to Introduce Three B-Tech Courses from this Academic Year

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Delhi University has decided to introduce three B-Tech courses namely, B-Tech Computer Science and Engineering, B-Tech Electronics and Communication Engineering, and B-Tech Electrical Engineering from the academic session 2023-24.

The three courses conducted under the Faculty of Technology will commence with a total capacity of 360 students. The eligibility criteria to get a seat in the courses will be through JEE-MAINS.

The university’s Executive Council shall review the proposal on Friday, (9th June 2023). This proposal has been added after the university received approval from the Ministry of Education for the creation of 72 teaching and 48 non-teaching posts for the new programmes. Earlier, in 2021, the university had constituted a committee to deliberate on the introduction of new programmes according to PTI.

“The committee held several meetings in the last one-and-half years and systematically deliberated upon various issues within its terms of reference to facilitate the initiation of the three B-Tech programmes under the Faculty of Technology in the emerging subject areas of computer science and engineering, electronics and communication engineering and electrical engineering,”

-an official said citing the report submitted by the panel.

The report further sighted that the proposal has been submitted to the Union Ministry of Education for the construction of physical infrastructure for the Faculty of Technology which will take time on receipt of necessary financial and other statutory approvals.

The committee recommended that adequate arrangements for space should be made for classrooms and laboratories until the building for Faculty of Technology is built and made functional.

“The committee authorised the vice-chancellor to decide upon the space and other essential physical infrastructure for initiation of these B-Tech programmes,” -the report read.

As far as the strength of the courses is concerned, 120 students should be admitted into each course, making it a total of 360 students that will be admitted in the first year.

The report also stated that the B-Tech programmes would be designed in such a manner that there would be a minimum of 50 per cent weightage given to the major subject area of study with a maximum of 65 per cent weightage. The remaining weightage would be given to the minor subject areas of study.

It is also to be noted that in line of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the students will have multiple exit options in line. A student who has completed one year of study and earned the requisite credits would be awarded a certificate, those two years of study and requisite credits would be awarded a diploma, with three years of study along with credits would be awarded an advanced diploma. Students who successfully complete four years would be awarded a B-Tech degree.

PTI confirmed that the departments of Computer Engineering, Electronics and Communication Engineering and Electrical Engineering are required to be situated on the North Campus of the university for logistic support and proximity to the majority of the faculties/departments on the campus.

 

Feature Image Credits: DU Beat Archives

Read Also: DU to Launch 18 New Courses in Upcoming Session

Aanya Mehta

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DUB Speak

No Seats For Men In Delhi University

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Psychology, Journalism, Geography among others are not available to men in DU. Despite being popular choices, male aspirants need to turn to alternate universities to pursue these courses.

University of Delhi (DU) gains as much criticism as is the prestige around its colleges. With the cut offs rising so fast students invest their all to ensure they can secure a seat in a top college. Is it possible for some to lose in this race even before they begin? Or for some students to win the race but not the prize?

This is the fate of men wanting to pursue courses such as Psychology, Journalism, Geography and Sociology in DU. These and several other courses are only offered in girls’ colleges or in very few co-ed colleges, which has gained the University a lot of criticism. It then becomes a matter of approaching different Universities or choosing a college among the few that offer the course of choice.

Journalism is only available to men in three colleges including Delhi School of Journalism, Delhi College of Arts and Commerce and Maharaja Agrasen College. Among the 16 colleges for Philosophy, ten colleges are for women, leaving St Stephens, Hindu College, Ramanaujan College and few others for male aspirants.

Sociology is available in only two colleges- Hindu and Sri Venkateshawara College. Psychology is offered to men in Zakir Hussain, Keshav Mahavidyalaya and Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar College.

Geography is offered in co-ed colleges such as Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar, Dyal Singh College, Kirori Mal College, Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, Shivaji College and Swami Shardhanand College.

Home Science not offered to boys in any of the 90 colleges in DU. Some of these courses are included in BA Programme and are offered as minor or General Elective courses. But this means the students will have to compromise on an Honours degree in the subject they love.

These courses remain restricted to girl’s colleges and our education system remains regressive.

Rishabh Kumar, a student of Psychology from Christ University expressed his grievance, “This is an appalling scenario for an institution like Delhi University. Since we are transcending the biological differences that did exist, a decision of that sort needs to be revised. It’s unimaginable to exist in an environment where comprehension of knowledge is limited to certain gender.”

Raunaq of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College commented, “For me it was a choice between Political Science and Psychology as my major. The latter was offered in only few colleges, where I was not keen on studying, therefore I went ahead with Political Science. I do believe I am one of the lucky ones as compared to the guys who only want to do Psychology.”

Turning to private universities also means a huge increase in the annual fee and pouring lakhs of rupees each year. While some are saving up for their Masters, others simply do not have this privilege. This can become distressful, especially with those lacking flexibility in course.

On speaking to a national daily, Ms Anupa Siddhu, Principal of Lady Irwin College said how there was no “gender bias” but identified the problem as co-ed colleges not “showing interest in starting the course”.  On speaking to the same daily, the Principal of Aryabhatta College expressed that there exists a “lack of demand” for Home Science and offering these can be difficult due to limited resources. He further went on to suggest that the women’s colleges offering these courses should accommodate male students as well.

“It was extremely difficult to find a good college which offered Sociology for boys, without having to dish out ten lakhs. This reflects on the prevailing mentality in DU that only girls take Sociology”, remarked Kabir Madan a student of Sociology from Shiv Nadar University.

The race will soon begin as the cut of lists will be released this week, students wait in anticipation not knowing what the future holds. On asking many students, who faced this situation in the previous years, what advice they had for aspirants they all emphasised on how happy they were wherever they had ended up. Many talked about how with the existing mindset it is already difficult for many to open about how they are now aiming for these courses, it becomes further demotivating to not be able to qualify for DU. However, one year down the lane, it will seem like the right decision.

Madan added, “I think most of my batchmates ended up in places we least expected to end up in at the beginning of 12th grade. And it all turned out to be great for me, even though I did not initially expect it to (at that time). After a year, I am very happy with my decision.”

Image Credits: Hindustan Times

Shivani Dadhwal

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Admissions 2019

Increase in Number of Seats Under Sports Quota

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University of Delhi (DU) took the decision to increase the number of seats under the sports quota without exceeding the 5 percent limit in the intake. This was only applicable to extra curricular activities (ECA) quota till last year, and now has been extended to the sports quota as well.

In a meeting held last week, the varsity decided to increase the number of seats, in case there was an increase in demand of said quota at the department level.

This gives colleges complete freedom to decide the increase in the number of seats for either sports quota or ECA category. They can allot particular number of seats according to the demands and needs of the college.

An official was quoted by The Asian Age as, “Usually, it is seen that the students in the sports and ECA categories opt for humanities and social sciences programmes, rather than science, since they feel they may not be able to cope with the pressure in the latter. So, in case there are no admissions under the sports and ECA categories in the science department, the vacant seats can be transferred to another department where there is greater demand, but without breaching the total number at the college level.”

In the situation where the seats allotted under the categories in the departments are vacant, then the college can shift these vacant seats to other departments, where the demand is more. Hence ensuring that the students fill all the vacant seats, and the demand for a particular course is also met. This step also ensures that the five percent cap of intake is not breached by the colleges.

According to a circular issued by the authorities, “However, in case of greater demand in a particular course, up to a maximum of double the number of seats sanctioned under the ECA and sports categories in the said course may be admitted by a college, subject to the overall ceiling of five percent.”

Rasal Singh, member of the DU Academic Council, assured that this move would pave way for only the deserving students to get admission in the university.

Lavanya Ratauri, a football sports quota student said, “This move allows more flexibility for authorities to allot the number of seats but also at the same time it should consider the demands of the student. I hope this move gives students more liberty to take only that course which they want.”

Feature Image Credits: Akarsh Mathur for DU Beat

Antriksha Pathania
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DUB Speak

Lack of Psychology courses in DU: A Blot on University’s Academics

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Despite being an important subject, the lack of Honors courses available in Psychology, Delhi University proves that psychology is still not accepted and recognized as a worthy bachelor’s degree.

Psychology as a subject has the power to help you grow as an individual and also help others grow. It is filled with concepts on human beings, stories and examples we can relate to and also interesting topics about which we can talk to with our friends. But what is unfortunate that only eleven colleges in the prestigious University of Delhi offer B.A. (Honors) Psychology as a course and three offer B.A. (Honors) in Applied Psychology.

This restricts the opportunities for students to pursue this subject. The cut offs go very high for the few good colleges offering this course. While, for a male student, this situation is even worse since majority of the colleges offering Psychology are only open to girls, so they have to either compromise on the course or despite having a good score, study in private institutes. According to a source who requested to be anonymous, he scored a 96.75 but still couldn’t get Psychology in Delhi University and is pursuing B.Sc. (Honors) Psychology from Christ University, Bangalore.

Apart from this, most of the colleges are unable to offer Psychology as a General Elective, and when they do, due to the lack of faculty, many times the classes get cancelled. In Lady Shri Ram College, girls who took Psychology as an Elective for the first semester reported that the it was extremely disappointing. A student quoted “We were allotted a teacher somewhere in last August and even this semester we have gotten a guest lecturer who taught from Wikipedia, it was pretty basic and did not feel like a Psychology class.” In Gargi College, Psychology is not offered as a General Elective despite having a department for Applied Psychology.

By lack of Facilities in Delhi University for this essential subject, the University is proving the general discourse prevalent in the society regarding Humanities courses that- “they are courses specifically for girls.” The larger, older and renowned colleges like Miranda House, Hansraj, Hindu and Sri Venkateswara do not offer Psychology at all. It is high time that this course is given the importance and attention that it deserves and the University introduces it in the other colleges as well.

Feature Image credits: The Indian Express

Shivani Dadhwal

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Sakshi Arora

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Admissions 2017

Journalism School, Transnational Studies, and Cyber Security receive the green light for DU

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The Academic Council (AC) of the University of Delhi, in its third meeting which began yesterday and culminated today morning, has discussed and deliberated on the proposals which were in the pipeline. It has announced decisions which shed light on three prospective courses which should be introduced in the varsity soon: Journalism, Transnational Studies, and, Cyber Security. These courses have received the approval of the Council in principle; with the nitty-gritties of these proposals being left to be chalked out in clarity later.

Delhi School of Journalism

The Council has decided to drop the self-financing clause which had been previously planned, and agreed to send the proposal to the UGC for approval of government funding. Earlier, the Vice Chancellor also suggested that the course would function on a no-profit no-loss basis. Meanwhile, the Council will also consider other avenues for funding; like resorting to philanthropic organisations for scholarships. In addition to the monetary factor, a three-member committee will also be set up to delve into the practical aspects of the course structure, along with the other intricacies of the proposal. The Council has decided to employ teachers on deputation from other colleges to serve as the faculty of the institute, along with those working in eminent media houses to serve as consultants. AC member Pankaj Garg said that such courses are “necessary and important as they enhance the reputation of a university.” The VC proposed Rs. 30,000 per semester for the five-year integrated course, a decision which was met with resistance. The AC members have decided that the committee will deliberate on the fee structure. It will also provide reservation for SC/ST candidates, and offer scholarships to facilitate admissions from the weaker sections of the society.

The establishment of the school has, however, been met with opposition from some members of the Academics for Action and Development (AAD) and University Teachers’ Forum (UTF).
Transnational Studies and Cyber Security

Both these courses have received the nod from the Academic Council. The course for Transnational Studies has been agreed to be developed in layers, with the aim of its establishment as a premier research centre. In the first phase, it will be a virtual platform where scholars and faculty can engage in discussions on a spectrum of research ideas. The University may then approach the UGC to put in money for research and create an exceptional and unique school on established lines. The Cyber Security course is facing debate on securing the UGC funding. A member of the Academic Council says, “You cannot run the specialised courses, like Journalism and Cyber Security, through a self-financing mode.” The Council has decided to approach UGC to obtain funding for the same.

 

The Delhi School of Journalism, which is scheduled to undertake applicants from this academic cycle, will not become operational from July 20th. It would take some time to untangle the web of decisions which are yet to be made. Meanwhile, the varsity will be releasing the first-cut off list for admission into various merit-based courses tonight. You can check the lists here.

 

 

Feature Image Credits: University of Delhi

 

Saumya Kalia

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Around the Campus

Off-campus colleges stealing the limelight

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Over the years, off-campus colleges have been stealing the spotlight away from North and South Campus Colleges in various spheres of courses, infrastructure and cultural societies. Therefore, with each passing year, they have successfully attracted more and more Delhi University aspirants for admissions.

What’s causing this remarkable shift from the core campus? Let’s have a look!

1. Infrastructure

With sprawling campuses and well-developed infrastructure, off-campus colleges like Keshav Mahavidyalaya, the newly built Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce, Shaheed Rajguru College of Applied Sciences for Women, Maharaja Agarsen, Shaheed Sukhdev College for Business Studies are proven to be better than many core campus colleges. Dyal Singh College (M) recently also became the first college to be powered by solar energy. Off-campus colleges are thus, in a constant process of improving their infrastructure!

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="735"] Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College[/caption]

 

2. Specialized Courses

Another reason for the shift are the specialised courses that off-campus colleges are known to offer. Institute of Home Economics (IHE) and Lady Irwin College are the only colleges that offer Home Science as an undergraduate course. Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences also offers many unique specialised courses on instruments, rarely found in any other colleges.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="725"] Lady Irwin College[/caption]

 

3. NAAC grading

Acharya Narendra Dev College (ANDC) secured the second spot by getting a CGPA of 3.31 (Grade A) in The National Assessment and Accreditation Council’s (NAAC) evaluation. Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies (3.16), Ramanujan College (3.06), Shivaji College (3.26), Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce (3.02), Keshav Mahavidyalaya (3.01), Bharati College (2.85) and Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College (2.63) were some of the off- campus colleges that too received good NAAC scores this year.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="950"] Acharya Narendra Dev College[/caption]

 

 4. Cultural Societies

Misba – Western Dance Society, and I Vogue – The Fashion Society of Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce (SGGSC), won all the major competitions in Delhi University this fest season. Vayam – the dramatics society of Shivaji College, Glamoratti – The Fashion Society of Dyal Singh College (Morning), Zephyr – The Western Music Society of Kamala Nehru College and SGND Khalsa College’s folk dance societies are some of the best societies in Delhi University’s circuit.

[caption id="" align="aligncenter" width="735"] Kamala Nehru College[/caption]

 

Nidhi Panchal

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DUB Speak

Looking Beyond Delhi University For Admissions

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In another few weeks, Delhi University will declare its first cut-off list for the academic year 2016-17. That day will be a fateful one, deciding the future of the millions of prospective freshers who aspire to join DU. So while DU hopefuls across India wait with baited breath, as a soon-to-be third year student of DU, I have just one word of advice (and caution) to offer: for your sense of sanity and happiness, dare to look beyond DU!

There is a dangerous trend that abounds in the Indian academia: every year, the marks secured  keep increasing, leading to soaring percentages and subsequently, sky-high and unrealistic cut-offs. Chances of getting admission to what we believe are the premier colleges of the country just keep getting slimmer. But you see, that is where the problem lies. Our beliefs become our limitations, and in this way, we ourselves bring misery, grief and unhappiness to our lives.

Each student works hard in their final year of school, driven by the sole aim of getting into a good college and pursuing a degree of one’s choice. But in spite of our best efforts, sometimes things don’t go as planned. So, let’s say you didn’t qualify for admission to the college of your choice. You can always apply to another college and still get the course of your choice. There are so many colleges in DU, it’s hard to name all of them in one go! Even in the worst case scenario, if you failed to get admission to any DU college, look outside this particular University, for God’s sake! There are so many universities in India, with so many colleges! DU isn’t the end of life. The only reason we think it is, is because that’s what we’ve been conditioned to believe. That’s what we’ve been brainwashed to accept. But as the master of your mind, you can easily break that mindset and look out of the box.

I know it’s easier said than done. When I was applying to college, I too was bitten by the DU bug. So much so that I didn’t even sit for any of the entrances for other colleges. For me, it was DU or nothing. But after two years in this University, I’ve realised that all the hue and cry is absolutely unjustified. Yes, I love my college and my course. But other colleges and other courses across universities in the country are in no way inferior. At the end of your graduation degree, you’re pretty much at par with the others from other colleges and universities. When you begin to work, it will be your vocational skill that will take you forward; and if you choose to study further, it will be the knowledge that you’ve acquired that will help you. The bottom line being that your college name and university can take you only so far, before they fade away and become inconsequential.

This summer, I started on an internship down South. I am working in the Finance Department of a five star hotel in Visakhapatnam. On my first day, during the induction, I was asked to introduce myself. I quite proudly mentioned the name of my college and university, almost certain that everybody would know about them. But I was in for a shock when almost all the other interns, students from Andhra University, had no clue what I was talking about. Even my mentors couldn’t care less. And that is what gave me food for thought, the result of which is this article.

So freshers, brace yourself for the worst. You know, as well as I do, that you’re going to have to deal with insane cut-offs and tedious college procedures as you apply to DU. But, take the entire process with a pinch of salt. Look beyond this particular university, trust your abilities and keep reminding yourself that you’ll succeed no matter where you land up. After all, in the history of mankind, we see that students are known not by their college; rather it’s the college which is known by its students. Do wonders wherever you go, and your life is sorted!

Kriti Sharma
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Admissions 2016

DU to introduce a range of new courses for the academic session 2016

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Gone are the days when students aspiring to gain admission in Delhi University had to settle for all regular undergraduate subjects found in majority of the colleges. This year, Delhi University has decided to give the dreams of such aspirants a greater push by introducing a range of 25 new courses in various colleges across the campus from the new academic session.

According to officials, more than 30 colleges had granted permission in February and approved of getting these courses started from the year 2016 itself. These courses will not only give students the flexibility to choose from a greater list of subjects but also give those who may not be able to score as high or as per the cut-offs, a much better chance of securing their place in the most desired university of India, due to increase in the number of seats in many colleges.

The new academic session that will begin from August 2016, will therefore give everyone something new to look forward to, in almost every college. For instance, Forensic Science (H), a subject that has never been offered before in the University of Delhi, will be introduced for the very first time in Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur (SGTB) Khalsa College to give students an opportunity to study a richer application of Science pertaining to criminal and civil laws.

Similarly, colleges that had earlier shunned certain subjects away, have now decided to begin these courses to retain an overall distribution of all subject streams which the students are passionate to pursue. The list of some of these newly offered courses in colleges include: Political Science (H) in St. Stephen’s College and Bharati College; History (H) in Bhagini Nivedita College, Shaheed Bhagat Singh College and Aryabhatta College; Bachelor of Business Studies (BBS) in Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce (SGGSCC), Sri Guru Tegh Bahadur (SGTB) Khalsa College and Ramanujan College; Maths (H) in Gargi College; Computer Science (H) in Sri Guru Nanak Dev (SGND) Khalsa College, Aryabhatta College, Shivaji College and SGTB Khalsa College; Chemistry (H) in Rajguru College of Applied Sciences; and a course of Mechanical Engineering in Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology (NSIT).

Thus, with such an interesting stream of courses, Delhi University does not only provide a longer list of options for all eager aspirants but is also liable to get the current availability of 54,000 seats easily increased with an introduction of these courses in as many as 30 colleges across the campus. The admission process is most likely to begin from 25th May with its first cut-off list to be out by 22nd June, 2016.

DU Beat wishes everyone good luck!

Picture Credits: www.dailymail.co.uk
Shagun Marwah
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