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A Freshers Guide To Collegiate Debating

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Razor-sharp jargon, layers of argumentation, and excessive hand gestures – dive into the world of college-level parliamentary debating.

Dear Freshers, as the floodgates of Delhi University have been opened to you try to soak in the vibrant extracurriculars scene on campus – from expressive Dramsocs, socially-committed Enactus to the absolutely beautiful monstrosity that are Debsocs. Debating at the college-level is quite different from the public speaking or ‘debating’ our English teachers forced us into during our schooling years. Have you come across groups of debaters rapidly scribbling notes and speaking without a single pause? Folks who wear, “Don’t Hate, Just Debate” T-shirts. The over-caffeinated curious species who attract starry-eyed freshers into the magnetic pull of debating. Yes, those are your ‘college debaters’.

Introduction to PDs

College debating, especially in colleges of Delhi University, focuses on the Parliamentary Format. Unlike school, debating at the varsity-level is a group activity with one team of 2-3 speakers arguing for the motion, known as Side Government, and another team against the motion, known as Side Opposition. There are several niches of Parliamentary formats, the most common of which are the Asian Parliamentary Debate (APD) and the British Parliamentary Debate (BPD). Loosely based on the style of discussion followed in legislatures, the PD format of debating involves dynamic cross- argumentation and enhanced teamwork.

Debates are judged by a panel of Adjudicators who analyze the entire debates and decide which team wins. They then give their justification behind the verdict. Similar to debating, adjudicating is a competitive activity as well. In addition to this, Debating also involves Tabbing which is a technical activity involving softwares for
organising debate tournaments, and Equity, a grievance redressal and diversity mechanism.

The DU Debating Circuit

The community of Debating Societies of all colleges in the varsity which come together for practice mock debates and intercollege tournaments is known as the “Debating Circuit”. There are two prominent circuits for English and Hindi debating each. It includes legacy debsocs such as those of Kirori Mal College, Lady Shri Ram College for Women, and Sri Venkateswara College which have dominated the space for decades, and up-and-coming fledging debsocs with dynamic debaters and much-needed fresh blood.

The circuit is known for fostering some of the closest friendships and team-ups, but also generational society rivalries. Some of India’s and the World’s largest debate tournaments are hosted within the Delhi Uni Debate community such as the Mukerji Memorial Debate by St. Stephens which is one of India’s oldest running debates (they hosted the 75 th edition this April, 2023) and the Shri Ram Debating Festival, by Shri Ram College of Commerce, which is Asia’s largest week-long debate extravaganza.

The circuit initially brought about for promoting healthy dialogue and discourse and enhancing the communication skills and critical thinking of its members, unfortunately, has it’s fair share of criticisms. In recent times, legacy colleges with age-old society machinery and admin backing have been able to dominate tournaments that require significant financial resources and English-speaking ability. People from privileged backgrounds find it easier to make it big in the debating sphere, thus excluding minority speakers. Those with pre-established reputations and status in the circuit (known as “Dinos”) get an edge over those trying to break into this highly competitive field.

With greater awareness and callouts, the circuit is trying to revamp itself to be more accommodative and inclusive. Year after year, fresh blood, from colleges all across DU, irrespective of campus, find their way into debate rooms and beyond, thus carrying on the century-old legacy of this varsity’s greatest orators.

So, if you are an enthusiastic fresher, enamored by the pull of debating, or someone unsure about their prowess to enter this dynamic field, fear not and take that leap. After all, your voice matters, and no better space to find its resonance than Debating.

Image Credits: DU Beat Archive

Bhavya Nayak
[email protected]

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Arts & Culture

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Frame

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To assist your indecisiveness, here’s your ultimate manual to choosing the correct frame with accordance to your needs.

There are majorly three kinds of framing structure under which myriads of other specific frames fall in categorization with. These are full-rimmed, half-rimmed, and rimless. If you wish for eyes to be the focal point then you would want a full rimmed structure which outlines the lenses completely. If you wish to emphasise your upper half of the face, semi-rimmed is your pick. These frames outline the lens partially and thereby leave it to be more susceptible to scratches. If your priority is a lightweight frame then you may go rimless, which is not heavy on your nose but most susceptible to damage.

The variety of frames which are available in the above-mentioned formats are as follows:


1) Round glasses:

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Image Credits: Ray ban


Harry Potter led phenomenon of round glasses, gained quite a popularity and since then these frames are quite trendy among the quirky guys. These glasses vary in the size of circular circumference, colour and rim preference.

2) The Aviators:

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Image credits: Ray-Ban 


Adapted from the shape of sunglasses, aviator eyeglasses are large teardrop structured glasses which have been the go-to choice for people who wish to experiment with fashion. These glasses apart from being available in all rim formats also get innovated with every new fad to give the most trendy outlook.


3) Cat Eye frames 

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Image credits: Amazon.in


The sexy cat-eye frames are the perfect choice for people with narrow foreheads and prominent features. These frames have a broad and bold lining on the top and slightly narrower details on the bottom line. The style which makes these frames distinctive is its upward tapering. So, if you are in a search of something with a slightly vintage touch accompanied by a fashionable look, cat-eye is just for you.


4) Square glasses 

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Image credits: AliExpress


The chic square glasses worn by the simple innocent girl in every rom-com, which eventually comes out as a real hottie are a soft corner for many. These glasses work wonders for those with slightly round-ish or oval face structures, the edgy look makes a perfect balance with their inherent curvy look. Also unlike the rom-com lead, black and square is not a necessity you can choose a colour which suits your complexion or matches your attire.


5) Rectangular glasses 

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Image Credits: Readers.com


Talk about trendy without the mention of rectangular frames is impossible. Whether sharp or curved edged they never fall back in adding appeal to your personality. A strong recommendation for those with round or oval face. Where sharp-edged rectangular represent sporty the curve edged provides a relatively softer look.

Feature Image Credits: Pinterest

 

Kriti Gupta 

[email protected] 

Umaima Khanam

[email protected] 

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Admissions

A Guide to DU’s Admission Procedure 2019

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The University of Delhi (DU) has begun the online registrations for admission to various undergraduate (UG) courses. Here is a guide to help aspiring students. 

DU offers various UG courses in different colleges. The admission procedure for these colleges is common, except for St. Stephen’s College and Jesus and Mary College, which have a separate admission procedure. The admission portal for 2019 opened on 30th May. Following are the steps that are to be followed for the admission process:

 

Note: Applicants must apply only through the common application form for admission to the undergraduate programmes (both entrance and merit-based).

 

  • Registration

The students have to go the Admission Portal at https://du.ac.in and click on the link for ‘New Registration’. The students will then be asked to enter their Central Board of School Education (CBSE) – or any other board – roll number, email ID, and phone numbers which will be saved for further procedure and forms. This information cannot be changed further.

Pic 1 Admission Process

Image Credits: University of Delhi

  • Filling the form

The registration form is to be filled by students with extreme care and involves information regarding 9 different subparts.

InkedPic 2 Admission process_LI

Image Credits: University of Delhi

  • Personal – Personal information includes place of living, studying, etc. Family information and quota details are also to be filled.
  • Academic – The roll number and marks obtained in various subjects for respective boards are to be filled. Those who have not yet received their examination marks can just fill the board exam details and roll number.
  • Merit-Based – The applicant has to choose his/her favoured courses out of the plethora of merit-based courses offered by the University like B. Com, B.Sc. and B.A courses.
  • Entrance Based – DU offers the following courses in which admission is rewarded through entrance examination to be conducted by the National Testing Agency. The students will have to pay extra fees for each entrance-based test they apply for.
  1. A. (Honours) Business Economics [BA(H)BE]
  2. Bachelor of Management Studies [BMS]
  3. Bachelor of Business Administration (Financial Investment Analysis) [BBA(FIA)]
  4. Tech. (Information Technology and Mathematical Innovations) [BTech(IT&MI)]- CIC
  5. A. (Hons.) Humanities and Social Sciences [BA(H)HSS]- CIC
  6. Bachelor of Elementary Education [B.El.Ed]
  7. Bachelor of Science in Physical Education, Health Education & Sports [BSc(PE, HE&S)]
  8. A. (Honours) Multimedia and Mass Communication [BA(H)MMC]
  9. Five Year Integrated Programme in Journalism [5YIPJ]
  10. Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Percussion Music (Tabla/Pakhawaj)
  11. Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Karnatak Music- Vocal/Instrumental (Veena/ Violin)
  12. Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Hindustani MusicVocal/Instrumental (Sitar/Sarod/Guitar/Violin/Santoor)
  • Sports – Applicants seeking admission through Sports Quota can apply through a maximum of three sports. An additional fee of INR 100 is charged for admission through Sports Quota. The students can either seek admission through Super Category: Admission without Sports Trial which involves National representation in specified World Events or via Admission on the Basis of Sports Trial which involves 40 marks for certificates and 60 marks for trial performance.
  • ECA – Applicants seeking admission through Extra Curricular Activity (ECA) Quota have to upload only one best achievement certificate in their chosen category. Each student may register only through three ECA Categories. An additional fee of INR 100 is charged for registration through this category.
  • Uploads – This section is specifically for uploading several admissions related, academic and identity documents which include the following.
  1. Passport size photograph of the applicant (10-50 kb in size for upload in jpg/jpeg/png format).
  2. Scanned signature of the applicant (10-50 kb in size for upload in jpg/jpeg/png format).
  3. Self -Attested Class X certificate/marksheet containing Date of Birth (100-500 kb in size for upload in jpg/jpeg/png format).
  4. Self -Attested Class XII Mark Sheet, if results have been announced. (In case the Marksheet has not been issued by the Board, a self-attested copy of the Marksheet downloaded from the respective Board’s website should be uploaded). (100-500 kb in size for upload in jpg/jpeg/png format).
  5. SC/ST/PwD/CW/KM Certificate (in the name of the Applicant) issued by the competent authority (100-500 kb in size for upload in jpg/jpeg/png format).
  6. OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) Certificate (in the name of the applicant) issued on or after March 31, 2019. The OBC caste must be included in Central list issued by the Government of India. http://ncbc.nic.in. (100-500 kb for upload in jpg/jpeg/png format).
  7. EWS Certificate issued by Sub District Magistrate, certifying the applicant can claim reservation under this category, dated March 31, 2019, or later. (100-500 kb in size for upload in jpg/jpeg/png format)
  8. Self-attested copies of Sports and/or ECA certificates. (100-500 kb in size per document for upload in jpg/jpeg/png format), if applying under these categories.
  • Preview – The applicants can see a final preview of their application herein and confirm all the filled details.
  • Payment – In this last section, the students can initiate the final payment post which their registration will be complete. The payment is as follows.

 

  1. Registration fee for merit-based courses for UR/OBC –  INR 250
  2. Registration fee for SC/ST/PwD/EWS INR – 100
  3. Additional registration fee for ECA/Sports INR – 100
  4. Additional registration fee for each entrance-based course for UR/OBC INR – 750
  5. Additional registration fee for each entrance-based course for SC/ST/PwD/EWS INR – 300

All the aspiring students are requested to check the Undergraduate Bulletin of Information available on the University website which provides in-depth knowledge about the admission process. The varsity is also conducting open sessions for the benefit of the students. The next sessions will take place on 3rd and 8th June at Conference Centre, Arts Faculty, North Campus.

Feature Image Credits: University of Delhi

 

Sakshi Arora

[email protected]

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DUB Speak

A DU Beat Guide to Applying Abroad

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With the advent of a new year and semester, thousands of applicants rush to coaching centres for preparation help and counselling sessions. To ease out the process, DU Beat brings to you a guide to applying abroad.  

With the end of the 5th semester for the third-year students, it’s time to start looking at higher education opportunities, in India and outside. We, at DU Beat, bring to you a guide that can help one can track the plan and set in motion the application process to get in line for the opportunity to study at the best institutions.

1.Checking Educational Requirements

The first step is identifying the countries and institutions that one has access to. By that, I mean, focussing on colleges that accept applicants with 15 years of education or a three year undergrad degree. In brief, all major Ivy league and cream colleges of USA and Canada accept only 16 years of education as a minimum for application. Yet, it is advisable for candidates to mail the respective colleges to inquire, as some colleges are lax with this criterion in the presence of good work experience. On the other hand, almost all UK and EU colleges or Asia based colleges accept applicants with 15 years.

  1. Checking Cut- Off Marks

Another major criteria are cut-off marks that worry a lot of kids. Most colleges would ask for 2:1 minimum marks which is roughly 60% or 6.0 CGPA, while some (mostly ivy leagues) go up to 1:1 or 75% or 7.5 CGPA. Even if a candidate doesn’t have the minimum required marks or CGPA, one can still write to the college and ask for consideration with an adequate reasoning of how the marks don’t define one’s ability and aptitude correctly.

  1. Marking the Calendars

The next step is to make a list of programs that one wants to partake in and mark the opening and deadline dates for the applications. US applications generally open up in August whereas UK applications open in October. These dates are important as the sooner one applies, the higher are the chances for one to get admission. One should also check out the required exams list, these are extra exams that students from foreign countries are required to partake in and score a minimum amount. The general ones include: GRE, GMAT, TOEFL and IELTS, the latter two being English language exams. These exams happen all year round and can be taken at any sitting of choice. IELTS happen 4 times a month. These results can stay valid for over 2 years and 3 years in some cases as well, so an aspirant can take them before hand as well.

  1. Collecting Documents

The next step is to collect all the required documents, majorly the most important documents are:

  1. LOR (Letters of Recommendation) –

These are documents written by professors, employers, etc. in order to recommend an individual to a college for higher education. They are, thus, also divided into two: Academic and Work. The minimum number of LOR’s required is 2 and there is no maximum limit as such. Applicants should make sure that there LOR’s are personal and represent them properly.

  1. SOP (Statement of Purpose) –

An SOP (usually 1000 -1500 words) is an essay about the applicant, why the applicant is choosing the college and program, and what makes them suitable. Some colleges provide specific questions that need to be answered in the SOP and hence, the kids need to carefully go through the documents page of the application guidelines

  1. CV/Resume – A basic document detailing important information about the candidate along with the experience (jobs, education, extracurricular, etc.) of the candidate.
  2. College, 12th , and 10th grade mark sheet – An original copy of the official marksheets of these classes.
  3. Certificates and letter of acceptance from past jobs and internships

 

One should have these documents in hand during the application process. With the online application system, it is best to have their scanned copies too in .JPEG or .txt format. Most colleges also put limits on size of the file (i.e. 2MB).

With all of these things in hand, one can apply to colleges abroad easily. There are a lot of counselling organisations like ‘The Chopras’ or ‘IDP’ that help students with the process, but colleges usually prefer kids applying out of their own merit and will.

 

Feature Image Credits: Istock

Haris Khan

[email protected]

 

 

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Exams

The Instruction Manual of Using a Guide for Exams

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This is the only instruction manual which you should endeavour to read; for it is muddled with the dos and don’ts of using your favourite reading material!

Exam preparation follows a repetitive trajectory: high hopes of finishing the syllabus, struggling to even commence with the schedule, and finally employing the controversial referencing of the guide books. It is an old story, the same story. For a major section of students, the semester knowledge begins and ends with these ‘help books.’ While the usage of only guides for studying calls for another debate on educational reforms, one can’t deny the fact they are not completely useless and obstructive to learning. How to extract its pros without falling prey to its temptation? Have a look!

  1. The productivity of guide books lies in the basic concept of limited usage. Designed to be the extra something to do before exams, they are the framework which can be followed for comprehending the expanse of the syllabus. Instead, we treat them to be the magic book which contains all tailor-made answers.
  2. Do not depend on the text of the guide and take it as the gospel truth. Time and again, educational content is known to vary between different books and authors, and the golden rule instructs you to abide by the information echoed within the four walls of the classroom. Hence, just because it is written in the guide does not grant it authenticity.
  3. The prime time to use this falls after your basic preparation has been finished and before you proceed to take your exam. The book can do wonders if one has to revise a concept or go over questions to solidify the foundational concepts. It can be the perfect revision manual to help you sort the myriad topics now assimilated in your head.
  4. Your indolence might prevent you from finishing this step, however, endeavour to achieve it this year. Cementing your concepts and inducing confidence, skimming through the past years’ examination papers is one of the many things your teachers shall reiterate over the semester. Ascertaining a basic idea of what may come and in what shape and form can help you prepare beforehand about the key pointers of your answers.

 

Image Credits: Sprowston High School

Saumya Kalia
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DUB Speak

The 7 Cardinal Sins of Applying to DU

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So here you are, Little Fresher. A bundle of happy and excited nerves as you wait for your dream colleges to declare their first cut-off list on the 27th of June. You’ve done yourself and your family proud by clearing your board examinations with flying colours and securing an enviable percentage.  So far, so good. However, if you think that the worst is over and the biggest hurdle (of getting stupendous marks) has been conquered, you are sadly mistaken. You’ve only just begun on your struggle to get admission into the country’s premium university. The journey ahead will not be an easy one, and you must tread with caution, pragmatism and confidence.

The thing is, Little One, that applying to college is like a capital budgeting decision. It requires an investment of a huge chunk of your time and effort. Also, it decides and seals the coming three years of your life. In most cases, it is irreversible, except at a huge cost. Therefore, when you apply to colleges, you must be careful not to commit, what we call ‘The 7 Cardinal Sins of Applying to DU’.

Let me lift the cloud of naivety and walk you through these deadly mistakes that you’re likely to commit out of your haste, ignorance and prejudices:

SIN #1: Choosing ‘College over Course’

It’s appalling to see people settling for courses which are not of their choice in colleges of their choice. A rational human being will tell you that at the end of the day, it is your skill and knowledge set, acquired vis-à-vis your course that will make your career, not the name of your college. And for all those who continue to live in the abyss of oblivion, let me tell you, the brand name that you so desperately hanker for won’t even matter once you graduate. What will, however, is your course degree. So choose wisely.

SIN #2: Preferring campus colleges to off-campus ones

Aah, the lure of campus! The winding lanes that connect colleges, the street vendors and their carts of yummy food, street shopping, fests, and just the convenience of being able to hop out of one college and get into the other. All these things might sound like such a treat to the unaware outsider. But believe me, campus is not the paradise that people make it out to be. Sure, it has its pros. But it also has its cons (eg: traffic, election ruckus, etc). So don’t let your specious perceptions colour your mind. In fact, by preempting off-campus colleges, you might miss out on some wonderful institutes of learning.

SIN #3: The Herd Mentality

You had a great gang of friends in school, whom you love to the moon and back. But does that mean you’re going to follow them into any college they may choose for themselves? No sir! Grow up, for God’s sake!  What is good for you may not be good for others and vice-versa. So make sure you put your needs and priorities ahead of everything else and pick a college that best meets your goals, not those of others.

SIN #4: Ruling out all-girls colleges

We’ve all heard things like, “Co-ed institutions offer a more natural environment” and “All-girls colleges stifle overall development”. It’s absolute bunkum! An all-girls college gives you the same, if not better, college experience and exposure: a liberating environment, a nurturing and sensitive attitude, a spectacular education and add to that, some great placements (since most companies today prefer women workers). If you’ve never studied in such an ambience before and are scared of having adjustment issues, then you’re simply a victim of your own bias. DU has some brilliant all-girls colleges and not applying to them because of what you’ve been told by detractors is foolish.

SIN #5: Taking advice from every Tom, Dick and Harry

Too many cooks spoil the broth, and the broth is an absolute disaster if the cooks aren’t even trained to make it! When you apply to colleges, you’ll attract advice from all quarters. Make sure to filter out the opinions of those who are actually knowledgeable on the subject. If you listen to too many people, you’ll get extremely muddled and that will just complicate your life even further. So considering the advice of your teacher may be a better idea than letting your ‘Ludhiana-wale door ke rishtedaar’  tell you where to go and why! 

SIN #6: Failing to account for specialized faculty

Certain colleges in DU are known for their reputed faculty for a particular course. So it’s possible that in overall rankings, a college may not feature high on top, but has great professors for the course you wish to pursue. This criteria is important if you wish to actually learn something from college and not just waste away yourself at first parties and then at tuition centres just weeks before your exam.

SIN #7: Lack of holistic evaluation

Finally, it’s important to make a list of all the evaluation criterias that suit your needs, prioritize among different factors and then apply them to your evaluation. Your evaluation must ideally be a holistic one, based on not just a few superficial factors like brand value and placements, but also factors like course timings, societies, faculty etc.

Hopefully, Nino, you’ve been adequately enlightened.
Here’s wishing you all the luck for a successful admission. See you at DU!

Feature image credits: Aditya Rathore

Kriti Sharma
[email protected]

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