Credits: Samriddhi Y

Think you can do better? Send in your entries to [email protected]

It can be a photograph, painting, anime  or graffiti. Basically anything your creative juices conjure up.

*Credits will be given*

Predicting what somebody will do in college is pretty much like predicting what one would buy in a well-stocked candy store. The person may emerge with a beguiling variety of interesting goodies, or may emerge clutching the same tasty treat that has pleased his/her palate in years past. So while we can’t tell you what to buy from the store, we can give you an idea of which aisles to purchase from. So DU Beat brings you the verdict, straight from the horse’s mouth as students review their own courses.

Political Science : This is not a dry and distant course on the structure and functions of the Lok Sabha. On the contrary, it teaches you to politicize and theorize absolutely everything around you. If studied well, it can open your mind to a whole new world of radical ideas and interpretations. The first year course on political theory is crucial to your understanding of the subject. However, with papers on Indian politics, international relations and comparative politics, the second year of the programme is most enjoyable. Third year throws open the possibility of choosing a paper from a number of options, including a course on feminism, the United Nations, etc.

P.S.: Steer clear of guidebooks if you really want to love and live the subject. Colleges with good Political Science departments: LSR, Hindu College.

Applied Psychology : Now this particular course, as one student appropriately puts it, is “industry oriented”. It demands heavy research work and multiple field trips primarily to facilitate a practical application of what the student has learnt . As a major advantage, it adds on to your exposure on field, and gives a sense of what it would be like to work there. So anyone who wants to take up applied psychology must be prepared for tons of reports to be completed, a lot of research work, and to add to that, a series of sleepless nights.

To make it clearer, here is a brief account on the course structure for you.

If you choose Applied Psychology , you will be covering General Psychology, Systems and theories in psychology , statistics and research methodology in the first year along with fun experiments concerning mental testing.
Second year will see a lot of field exposure with social psychology (with field experiments), industrial psychology (again with field studies), statistics and research methodology again.
In the third year, students get to choose between developmental and advertising psychology along with a compulsory paper in abnormal psychology.
And finally, to tell you guys how easy or difficult it will be to get through this course, here’s a synopsis of the last years’ cut offs.

This course is also available for male students It is available in Gargi college, Sri Aurobindo (E) College, SPM College and Vivekananda college.

GARGI COLLEGE – 86-90
SPM COLLEGE- 78
SRI AUROBINDO (E)- 68
VIVEKANADA- 88.5

Philosophy (Hons) : Those who opt for Philosophy (Hons) expecting it to be an easy, boring course are in for a surprise. The syllabus is pretty interesting for 1st years, who are introduced to the 9 schools of Indian philosophy including Jainism, Buddhism and Vedanta along with a bit of Math. It gets even better in the 2nd year with themes like history of western philosophy, early Greek and social and political philosophy. 3rd year students will have ethics and contemporary Greek philosophy among other subjects. As is commonly assumed, the course isn’t all about mindless ‘rattoing’, but is in fact open to discussion, allowing for creative interpretations of the various theories. Time to look past stereotypes and give the course its due credit, we say!

Cut offs (according to last year)
67 – 73: JDM, KNC, Gargi, Daulat Ram, IP,78: Miranda Hindu: 74-89 LSR – 84.5, Stephens : 84

Economics honours : This is easily one of DU’s most hankered after courses. Although it is categorized as an arts subject it involves a lot of application. The course includes mathematics, statistics and principles of economics, all of which revolve around reasoning and application .This course is definitely not a a static subject, and contrary to popular misconception it is not an exceedingly uphill one either if one has their basics clear. In fact the course enables students to have a better understanding of day to day life

The 2nd year is one of the toughest and undoubtedly one of the most theoretically inclined. Good news for the math-phobic ones: you can easily drop it in the second year and go in for something else like political science The third year syllabus is comparatively easy ,as relatively speaking the subject load is less than the previous year.

Eco students are also said to have an edge during On the whole Eco. Hons is a very dynamic , porous course.

Colleges good for economics: St. Stephens, Hansraj, Sri Venkateswara college , LSR.

Cut offs : Last year

LSR :94
Stephens: 96( For commerce students)
Kirori Mal College: 89.75 for science students
JMC: 91( humanities)
Hindu: 90 ( humanities)

Mass Media and Mass Communication : This is a one-of-a-kind course offered by DU. Many DU colleges offer courses in journalism but Indraprastha College for Women is the only college that offers a consolidated course in mass communication. This is an all-embracing course and hence, admission to this course is held via a three-tier entrance. It covers almost every aspect of media and endows the students with a plethora of avenues.

The first year primarily focuses on print media along with a basic understanding of the functioning of various media in India. The second year revolves around the diverse field of advertising, while the third year gives a hands-on experience of camera handling and film production.

In a nutshell, this 3-year course is a comprehensive degree that enables its students to pursue a full-fledged career in media, even without a PG.

English Honours : Contrary to popular belief, English Honours is not about Grammar, or writing letters and essays the CBSE way. It deals more with understanding and interpreting Literature.

The three years course encompasses Literature from all over the world. The course begins with Victorian and Indian fiction from the 19th and the 20th century respectively and goes on to Shakespeare in the second year .The second year is particularly enjoyable for the choice of optional papers; you could read classical epics, popular fiction or European drama- suiting your interest. We go on to reading post colonial Literature and Modernism in the last year.

The course is enlightening if you take interest, but it can just as easily become your worst nightmare if you don’t harbour any love for the written word.

Colleges reputed for this course: LSR ,Miranda House, St. Stephens , JMC, , Kamla Nehru College , Hansraj and Venky.

History : This course is not treated very favourably by a large number of college aspirants. It is the utilitarian subjects such as eco and b.com that turn their heads. A deeper look at the curriculum provide us just the reasons for avoiding or embracing the past(History Hons).

Through the course of three years it delves into India’s antiquity, medieval attitudes and modern ways. Accompanying this is the story of human evolution, history of ancient Europe, providing a compelling tale of the Romans and the Greek. Rise of Modern Western Europe, American or Russian history, as per choice, keeps the second year nice and varied. Third year carries along Chinese and Japanese history, Rise of Moughals and History of Modern Europe.

It is intriguing for the inquisitive sort, showcasing the world trends and currents. Disastrous failures and miraculous successes of the venturesome and the unfortunate are aplenty; choose carefully!

Colleges reputed for History Hons: Hansraj, Hindu, St. Stephens, JMC ,LSR

B.Com (Hons) : You guys have a lot to study! 6 mains in 1st year itself, including financial accounting, stats, computers and even a bit of business law and along with that, 2 subsidiaries. 2nd year brings with it another 6 main papers (corporate accounting, business mathematics, income tax law and practice…etc.) plus 3 subsidiary ones. Those who make it to 3rd year will have the pleasure of studying macroeconomics, management accounting, Indian economy and other fun topics. Already cringing? Well, at least you will be spared the Qualifying Hindi exam that your friends from other courses will have to give in the 1st year!

Cut offs of colleges known to excel in this course:

Hansraj: 94-95
Hindu: 94-97
LSR: 95.5
Shaheed Bhagat Singh College: 90-95
SRCC: 94.5-98
Venky: 94.3-95
JMC: 93

(Contributions : Aditi, Aina, Tanya, Anmol, Mehroo, Himani and Kriti)

Which course to take? On what basis do students select a course? What avenues are open after doing a particular course? A thousand questions clutter and mutter angrily in your heads, DU Beat interviewed teachers of diverse courses from different colleges who try to answer the countless questions plaguing you.

Course : Bachelors of Arts in Psychology

Teacher : Preeti Kapur

College : Daulat Ram College

Q: Is there anything in this course you’d like to forewarn the students about?

A: I have seen many commerce students who haven’t been able to clear cut offs for Economics etc. taking up Psychology. This shift in gear may make their admission easier, but it doesn’t mean they will be able to cope well. They have always been required to write cut and dried answers, which is not the case in this course; also they have never had practicals. My advice would be to know what they are doing before they undertake this subject to study. Another thing I could warn potential students on would be that there is a need to pursue this field before one can get a desirable job.

Course: Bachelors of Science/Bachelors of Arts in Mathematics

Teacher: Dr. Kaushik

College: Kirori Mal College

Q. What kind of studying will one be expected to do?

A. There is emphasis on classroom teaching. Teachers often give the students tips, which cannot be picked up from any book. Attendance is a must and the student has to be attentive during class. He should not just sit for the sake of attendance. In maths a lot of common sense is required, plus one needs to be thorough with the tools that are taught in the class. Also, the student needs to devote as much time possible at home for practicing these tools and using those them to develop new tools.

Course: Bachelors of Science – Chemistry

Teacher: V.C Rao

College: Sri Venkateswara College

Q. Could you help dispel some myths about the course?

A. Many people don’t take up this course thinking that teaching is the only option afterwards. There is a lot of scope in biotechnology and fertilizer biochemistry. Many students who did Chemisty Hons from Venkateswara got European scholarships in post graduation in countries like Poland, Germany and France.

Course: Bachelors of Arts in Sociology

Teacher: Mrs. Reema Bhatia

College: Miranda House

Q. What career opportunities are open for students taking up this course?

A. Students can do their Masters in Social Work (MSW) and make a career in Development Studies, or in the media. One can also pursue a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication or even do an MBA. One can work with an NGO in the field of Social Work.

Course: B.A Programme

Teacher: Dr. Promila Kumar

College: Gargi College

Q. What is the rough course outline?

A. In the FIRST year, students will study four courses, choosing one language, and two discipline subjects from a list of 20. In the SECOND year the students will have to choose a Foundation course, and will continue with their prior discipline courses. The THIRD year will introduce an Application course, which is designed to equip students with practical competence, and the discipline subjects will remain.

Course: Bachelor of Commerce

Teacher: Dr. P.C. Jain, Principal

College: Shri Ram College of Commerce

Q: What is the USP of this course?

A: If a student wants to pursue a career in the corporate sector or financial world, be an administrator, a manager of people etc., then B.Com is the course to pursue. The USP is that though it is a detailed course on Commerce, it does not limit your opportunities thereafter.

Course: Bachelor of Arts in Economics

Teacher: Mr. A J C Bose

College: Shri Ram College of Commerce

Q: What are the options available to a student after B.A. (H) Economics?

A: If one wishes to immediately start working-there are some very attractive options in the private and public sector. If one wants to continue with academics, there are masters courses in Economics, Business Administration, Financial Economics etc. which one can pu

It’s that time of year again where advice, asked and unasked for is streaming in from left right and centre. However, we bet that there is no dearth of doubts niggling your brain. DU Beat brings you a few frequently asked questions.

Q: How many languages can be included in the best of four subjects? Is it compulsory to include a language in the best of four? Also does the language need must be English or will another language do?

Ans: Only one language can be considered in the best of four. One language has to be included compulsorily. As the medium of instructions in DU is mostly English, if any other language other than English is included 2% are deducted.

Q: I’ve heard there is a compulsory Hindi examination for all students of DU. Could you clarify?
Ans: Hindi is a qualifying paper for students of most courses excepting a few such as B Com(Hons) and some of the science courses. The university conducts the papers for students of three different levels. If you’ve studied Hindi till class 8th, you will have to appear for the “lower Hindi” examination and if you’ve studied Hindi as your second language till class 10th, you will be eligible to give the “qualifying Hindi” examination. If you have not studied Hindi till 8th, you will have to give an alternate qualifying paper

The only thing you should worry about right now is ticking the right column while filling up your form because most colleges demand your qualification in the language.

Q: Can we fill two common admission forms?

Ans: Yes, but it should not be necessary since one can accommodate all the colleges and courses of his/her choice in one form.

Q: For professional courses also is it sufficient to fill the common admission form?

Ans. Students can apply for the professional courses by filling the common admission form. However if any professional course has an entrance test, then students will have to submit a separate form for that college.

Q: Can a student pursue another degree course while pursuing a degree at DU?

Ans: No, a student can’t pursue another full time degree course while doing BA from the university. But a student can do an add-on course or a part time course. –(contradicts the answer to Shraddha’s question)

Q. What career opportunities are open for students taking up Sociology?

A. Students can do their Masters in Social Work (MSW) and make a career in Development Studies, or in the media. One can also pursue a post graduate degree in Mass Communication or even do an MBA. One can work with an NGO in the field of Social Work.

Q. How can I tell whether Psychology will be a good course for me to choose?

A. This course requires you to study subjects like organizational psychology, social psychology, counseling psychology, abnormal psychology, statistics, research methods and many more This course requires a person to be reflective and students who posses such a quality will go far in this field. I t has been seen that students having better command over the English language and communication skills have an easier time.

Q: Would Applied Psychology be a better option then Psychology?

Ans: Applied Psychology is a similar course which gives more emphasis on field work. However conceptually speaking the foundation course is better.

Q. Which are the best colleges Political Science?

A. LSR is probably the best college for Political Science. Hindu and KMC also have very good members of faculty. Kamla Nehru College too is very promising. Some of these colleges offer very fascinating papers (the fourth paper in the 3rd year of Political Science can be chosen from a wide range of options) that are rarely taught in other colleges. Hindu College offers a paper on Political Economy, while LSR offers one on Women in the Political Process: both of these are papers for which guide books have not been written, and thus require very detailed study. The fact that these colleges offer these papers only reflects just how enthusiastic about the subject their departments of Political Science must be.

Q: Is Political Science Hons similar to the subject Political Science we had in school?

Ans: One myth that must be dispelled is that Political Science in college is the same as Political Science in school. In many ways, they are diametrically opposite! The first year of the honors programme is spent in unlearning the mug up and throws up what CBSE forces students into. Clearly, the subject requires extensive reading and very good skills of articulation.

Q: Am I narrowing my career choices down by pursuing Journalism?

Ans: Contrary to popular belief, Journalism Honours doesn’t limit one’s options to just journalistic endeavours, it can give much, much more. It is a diversified course that enables the student to sharpen his or her faculty to understand and articulate exceptionally well. There is a wide choice of careers open up after it and only a few of them directly relate to Journalism.

(more queries, mail us at [email protected])

1) DU is the modern day alternative to the Kumbh ka mela, so carry a map with you at all times.

2) A water bottle’s an absolute necessity unless you want to pass out of dehydration in the middle of the street. Don’t depend on sodas either-it’s difficult enough finding the colleges without having to look out for diminutive shops.

3) Maybe some day portable stationery stores will be invented that you can roll up and stick into your pocket, but till then, stuff your bag with everything that writes/erases/staples/sharpens/sticks and pray that it’s enough.

4) Unless you have a Polaroid camera, carry a year’s supply of passport size photos of yourself.

5) Get a million copies of all the documents of even the tiniest importance.

6) You don’t want to be burnt to cinders in the duration of your hunt, so make sure you’re properly armed with umbrellas/shades/sunhats and sunscreen

7) Yes, yes, we know it’s college yay! But before you jump into your new heels and strut off, be warned that there’s going to be a whole lot of walking, especially amidst huge jostling crowds, so it’d be advisable to stick to boring but comfy flats for now.

8) If your bag’s not full already, then throw in a deodorant as well. Though a strong body odour might work to clear the crowd, you know…

9) Seems a bit obvious, but don’t forget your cell phone in the pandemonium. Kumbh ka mela, remember..? Helps to stay connected in situations like that!

10) Carry this copy of DU Beat with you ALWAYS. You can read it when you’re bored, swat annoying people with it and fan yourself with it too! Yes, we agree, it is the best thing that’s happened to DU since banta.

Image credits: www.htcampus.com

Aries (March 21 – April 20):

Very soon your Facebook status message will say “Made it to SRCC!!” – Lucky for you your friends don’t know that your “SRCC” means “Sadly Registering for Correspondence Courses”.

Taurus (April 21 – May 21):

Your temper will be at an all time high as people keep asking you for water and stepping on your feet in the line. We suggest carrying extra water and wearing proper shoes instead of silly oshos.

Gemini (May 22 – June 21):

Your admission days will bring you long endless lines, heat, humidity, crowded spaces under shady trees, dried up water dispensers, indecipherable application forms and lack of patience. That’s it, though, for these weeks excitement.

Cancer (June 22 – July 22):

The stars sympathise with you as you drop your heavy files containing all admission documents and let out a string of colourful profanities while the college principle is within earshot. Have fun explaining that to him!

Leo (July 23 – August 21):

A grey haired, bespectacled old babu in a college’s admin office will shout at you for asking a question and ruining his siesta. Revenge can be sought by spitting in his cup of tea and then running away fast.

Virgo (August 22 – September 23):

Later this week you will have a heated argument with a would be-senior at your would-be college. Don’t worry about it because on your first day, he/she will be nice enough to engage you in fun activities involving poles, ropes, leaves and music.

Libra (September 24 – October 23):

A short bout of diarrhoea this week makes you wish you hadn’t hogged in all those college cafes. This is exactly what happens to bad children who insist on sampling cafe food while their mummies and daddies stand in line for admission forms.

Scorpio (October 24 – November 22):

Now is a good time to get used to strong unpleasant body odours. Don’t feel too bad if you don’t smell spring fresh for admissions because by the time you’re done with them, you won’t have a clue of what spring smells like.

Sagittarius (November 23 – December 22):

A poem for the gruelling times ahead:

Twinkle twinkle little star, the admissions this year will be bizarre,
Also with cut-offs so high, you will beat your head while you cry.

Capricorn (December 23 – January 20):

Mars is unusually bright in your charts this week, just like the sun will be on all the days of your application, interviews, and entrance exams. It would be a good idea to carry an umbrella to poke the people standing behind you and in front—oh ya; you can also use it to protect yourself from the sun.

Aquarius (January 21 – February 19):

The stars predict a week filled with immense nervousness, confusion and perspiration while filling your admission forms due to the presence of hot fuchhaas around you. We suggest you concentrate more on your entrance exam roll number instead of that pretty girl’s phone number.

Pisces (February 20 – March 20):

Wear the same unwashed bright yellow shirt when you go for submitting your application forms. This way, people would avoid standing next to you in a line and would let you through. Either that or they will simply throw you out of the line. Good luck!