As the August 1 deadline nears, Delhi University has seen a subtle mix of groups choosing to continue into the fourth year – and most find niches, be it course or college.
Thought of as a “game changer” by Vice Chancellor Professor Yogesh Singh, the introduction of the fourth year has been dubbed a “half-baked experiment” by the faculty members. A similar scenario was observed in 2013 regarding semester-wise divisions and FYUP, which was faced with strong opposition from student groups and faculty members, leading to its eventual withdrawal.
Though it is important to note that this year, its implementations under NEP 2020 do see some significant upgrades, such as measures for enhanced WIFI connectivity at a cost of ₹65.71 crore, a fully digitised library, and approved infrastructure projects worth approximately Rs 1,912.15 crore, with 329 already released. These projects include a new computer centre in the North campus and new hostel projects in the South campus.
The metrics show that as of last week, over 70% students have still opted in for continuing their studies into the fourth year. This is 10% more than the expected number of students, and that too before the deadline of August 1. Over 50,000 of the existing 70,000 will be graduating with a research degree next year, yet the divisions are high. According to the Indian Express, Humanities and languages streams have seen higher student retention into the fourth year compared to low continuation rates in science and commerce.
Similarly, top-tier colleges see a lower opt-in ratio than other colleges. As DU dean of academic affairs Ratnabali K said:
While the final data will reveal more accurate trends, initial observations show that peripheral colleges have recorded higher retention rates in the fourth year, whereas top-ranking colleges have slightly lower retention rates. One reason could be that students in these institutions are more likely to pursue the traditional postgraduate route.
Data shows that at Shri Ram College of Commerce, only 170 of 900 B. Com (Honours) and 74 of 210 Economics (Honours) students are opting for the fourth year, while on the other hand, Kirori Mal College sees a 50-50 split across courses. The divide remains evident even in Lady Shri Ram College for Women, where, even though about 60-70% students are continuing, the retention is highest in Psychology (Hons) of about 80%.
Thus, uncertainty engulfs the DU landscape for the coming year. It might rumble the sedentary lifestyle of CUET-PG and CAT aspirants or just about lead to some real upgrades. The ramifications remain yet to come.
Read Also: Uncertainty Shadows The Fourth Year of Delhi University’s NEP Rollout.
Featured Image Credits : Vanya – DU beat
Shreya Bhushan
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