Latest
DU Beat – Delhi University's Independent Student Newspaper
Tag

admissions

Browsing
Campus Central

Editorial: Delhi University, It Is Time to Pull Up Your Socks

By

To stay relevant in the 21st century – the University of Delhi (DU) needs to let go of its laissez-faire attitude. Read our Editor’s take on why DU is trapped in its own history.

Making it into DU was a dream for so many of us. We battled the unpredictable and exhausting board examinations, obsessed over  cut-off lists, and withstood the impossibly frustrating admission process to finally make it here. Once here, all the effort seemed worth it. To study with the brightest people in our generation, participate in DU’s competitive society culture, absorb its active protest culture, and learn under its brilliant faculty, made it a one of a kind experience. This, coupled with a relatively relaxed attendance policy and reasonable fee, was enough to make this place a dream come true.

However, three years in the University and my rose-coloured glasses have finally worn off. What I saw as the culture of protest is actually teachers and students demanding basic resources and rights. What was seen as thriving society culture is the students’ way to keep themselves occupied and challenged since the varsity offers few opportunities to do so. The affordability of DU is constantly at threat, with newly established schools like Delhi School of Journalism charging a hefty fee and offering sub par education in return. With the Higher Education Funding Agency and the current government’s obsession with privatisation, DU’s accessibility is historically most vulnerable right now.

However, this is not all. The bigger problems with DU are related to its academic rigour. The truth is, towards the end of our three years, there is very little that the institution has taught us.

This facade of DU’s reputation has limited influence; recruiters and major corporations are distinctly aware of how little a DU degree teaches you, which is perhaps why they avoid us like the plague. Navigating the process of landing your first job on your own is chaotic and most people seek the security of campus placements. However, in DU, the word ‘placement’ is reserved for commerce students from the five top – ranked colleges in the varsity. It’s not as if commerce students or those in top colleges are necessarily more skilled than the rest of us but selective elitism goes a long way. The rest, pursuing other “non-employable” degrees in the remaining colleges, cannot aspire to be recruited in any capacity.

Don’t get me wrong, I am grateful to DU for the exposure and experiences but they were by and large the product of the hard work of the students who made societies their life and gave them their competitive edge. Apart from its reputation, there is very little that DU offers us. My resentment stems from the fact that I, like my peers, am horribly under-prepared for the real world. It is responsible to revive the curriculum to make it competitive with other universities, and it is their responsibility to realise that their job does not end by offering students mere theoretical knowledge.

Sports facilities in DU are underwhelming and most sports’ quota students find their own way of training themselves independently. Certainly, there is a funding crisis that the varsity is experiencing and the threat of a bigger impending crisis looms above the surface, but even existing funds aren’t appropriately utilised. For example, in 2017, the varsity returned 108 crores to the University Grants Commission (UGC) because it could not find an avenue to spend it. Three crore rupees allocated by the UGC remained under-utilised and had to be returned as well.

As I reflect upon my three years in DU, I am grateful for the creative minds I got the opportunity to interact with. However, nostalgia has not clouded my judgment and I know that there was so much more that DU could have offered and so much more that I deserved. The only people who graduate from DU and make it in life should not be B.Com. students, IAS officers, rich kids whose resources get them into an Ivy – league college for Master’s or those studying in Hindu, Lady Shri Ram, Stephen’s, and Hansraj. The rest of us also deserve access to an education that teaches us the required skills, has a curriculum abreast with top international universities, and offers us the opportunity that allows us to get employed if we wish to be. Like an egocentric, ageing actor who cannot get over their glory days, DU is iconic but stuck in the past. It needs to catch up with the times and enter the 21st century. After all, reputations alone can only last so long.  

Kinjal Pandey
[email protected]

Keep Reading
By
Admissions

Admissions 2019: St. Stephen’s College Applications Open on 6th May

By

St. Stephen’s College will soon begin the admission process, reportedly from 6th May. Unlike other colleges in the University of Delhi (DU), it has a long process for selection along with high cut offs.

The admission process in the University of Delhi (DU) for the cycle of 2019-2020 will begin with St. Stephen’s College releasing its prospectus, admission application, and residence forms on 6th May.

The college has a different admission procedure from other DU colleges. After clearing the cut-offs, students write an exam and then have an interview for their selection. In this, class 12 marks carry a weightage of 85%, the aptitude test carries 5% and the interview carries 10%. The college has 410 seats and offers 10 courses, including English, Computer Science, Urdu, and Persian, among others. It also has 40% seats reserved for Christians.

In the 2019 college rankings by the National Institute of Ranking Framework (NRIF), St. Stephen’s stood as the fourth best college on the list and third best college in Delhi. Given its prestigious name, the competition to get into one of the best colleges is also equally high, where the cut offs last year soared to a 98.5% for Economics and 98% for English for General category aspirants.

The college also releases separate cut-off lists for courses in Humanities, Commerce, and Science. As seen in last year’s cut offs, Commerce students have a relatively higher cut-off, sometimes by a margin of 2.5%.

In order to apply to DU, the students need to first register in the university admissions portal to generate a form number and ID, which they then use to apply to the different colleges. For the application to be valid, students also need to pay the admission fee. Jesus and Mary College also follows the same procedure for admissions.

Feature Image Credits: Adithya Khanna for DU Beat

Shivani Dadhwal

[email protected]

Keep Reading
By
Admissions

DU to Reach Out to Transgender Students During Admissions

By

The University of Delhi is aiming to include more transgender students during the University admission process, but given the archaic thoughts in Indian society, will this lead to positive consequences or their further isolation?

In 2015, the University of Delhi (DU) introduced the option of a ‘third gender’ to its admission forms. But for the next three years no admission was taken under this category. To improve this, in 2018, DU further established a Transgender Resource Center  to reach out to more transgender students but the authorities met the same fate.

The authorities have now decided to reach out to encourage more admissions of transgender students. The process will involve reaching out to neighbourhoods, organising camps and sessions, spreading information about the admission process, and requirements regarding the same. Student volunteers and NGOs working for the welfare of the community will be actively involved in the process. The centre would also engage in dialogues with female professors and students to remove the restrictions related to the admission of transgenders in all women colleges.The University authorities have also collaborated with National AIDS Control Organisation, Delhi and Haryana state AIDS control societies for the same.

A number of harassment cases have also been noticed in the past. A student’s petition led to the Article 354(A) under the Indian Penal Code which allowed transgender individuals to complain against harassment. Another transgender student on speaking to a national daily spoke how they were called a chakka on the day of admissions itself. The problem also extends to lack of washrooms and other provisions for these students.

Transgender students have appealed to the court to allow them to change their name and gender in forms. However, this can be allowed only if they change it on their school certificates. The High Court ordered the officials from Central Board of Secondary Education to meet the University authorities and take a decision on the same. This is also because 80% of the applicants are from CBSE. For now, these students are only applying to the School of Open Learning.

Devyani Arora of Kamala Nehru College provided a positive view on the same. She said, “For any sort of inclusivity, there would be certain barriers, but the idea of starting something like this becomes extremely important. The inclusion of transgenders is not just needed, but also a great step for their upliftment.”

For the community to gain acceptance, it needs access to education which can further lead to their emancipation.

Feature Image Credits: The Indian Express

(With inputs from The Times of India)

Shivani Dadhwal

[email protected]

Keep Reading
By
Campus Central

DU Begins Accepting Foreign National Applications for the Year 2019-20

By

The varsity offers over 500 programs at undergraduate and higher levels making it an appealing choice for foreign nationals for applying.

The application process for foreign nationals seeking admissions in Delhi University (DU) began on Friday, 22nd February. Applications are open for undergraduate, post-graduate, M.Phil, Ph.D, certificate, diploma, and advanced diploma courses.

All applications will be accepted through the official website for foreign students – http://fsr.du.ac.in/. At first look, the window looks almost exactly like the one which is made available for Indian students, however, the application fee is INR 1500, which is 10 times the normal remuneration.

The website details a comprehensive, four-step procedure that the prospective students are supposed to follow in order to apply. After having filled the online application form, they are to attach documents in accordance with the guidelines of the Foreign Students’ Registry (FSR). Hard-copies attested by the Embassy have to then be sent to the FSR by post.

Following is the scrutiny of the application, after which the applicant is informed via email. If selected, further documents, like the visa have to be arranged for. On reaching Delhi, the students check with the FSR, and that is the end of the procedure. “The process was very straightforward, and, from what I’ve heard, much less cumbersome than what DU students go through to get in,” is the opinion of Sam Halpert, a History Honors student at St. Stephens, who is an American resident.

The University also provides an International Students’ House for male students, located at Mall Road, for those who wish to stay there.

Times of India reports that that last year, DU received over 3000 applications. Most of these are from the sub-continent. Afifa, a first-year B.Com Honors student of Shaheed Bhagat Singh College hails from Afghanistan and says that an Indian education was, arguably, the best thing that happened to her, and something that would set her course for getting a better life.

Besides countries like Nepal, Afghanistan, Myanmar and the likes, DU also has students coming in from the US or UK. When asked why he chose to come to India when so many Indian students are trying to study in the US, Halpert listed several reasons. “I have been exposed to a much more monolithic depiction of India and wanted a deeper window into what factors shape Indian politics and the Indian economy. I am also betting on India playing a more important role in geopolitics in the coming years. While many Americans are turning their focus to China, I see India as a country that also deserves a closer look. Having a deeper understanding of India will be crucial to remaining a global power,” he said.

The difference in tuition fee is another appealing component to him. “Although I think I pay more than a national student, that is still less than what I pay in the US, especially coupled with the lower cost of living in Delhi.”

In any DU college the cut-offs are the basis on which admission is sought. But in case of foreign students, it is a centralised allotment on behalf of all the colleges of the University. “There is no cut-off. Instead the dean asks us to choose among some college according to our percentage. We can surely persuade them to give us  better options,” says Vikalp Kashyap, a first-year B.Com Honors student.

Foreign students studying in DU is not just advantageous to them, but to the Indian student community as well, because it provides a wholesome, more global outlook.

Feature Image Credits: fsr.du.ac.in

Maumil Mehraj

[email protected]  

 

 

 

 

Keep Reading
By
Campus Central

Off with the Cutoffs? A Student’s Perspectives

By

Amidst the recent decision by the HRD ministry on keeping the cutoff system like the way it is (instead of an entrance test exam), different viewpoints emerge amongst the ‘DU aspirant’ demographic.

There were talks in the academic circle that in the University of Delhi (DU), soon a method of selection based on entrance exams would replace the usually straightforward system of cutoffs. However as of now, hopes for this seem to have been tarnished as HRD minister Prakash Javadekar ruled against the DU administration’s transitionary move, at least for the 2018-19 batch for now. The complicated nature of the matter can be expressed through Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) President Rajib Ray’s statement ‘Neither Vice-Chancellor nor HRD can decide in isolation about the entrance criteria. Procedurally, an ordinance needs to be proposed to the academic council and the decision will be taken thereafter.’
While academicians, deans and professors have accepted this decision in mixed tones, many students who are aspiring to be members of the DU varsity have had more direct opinions. The consensus was in the favour of a change in the system and felt an entrance test would be more useful in picking out the ‘more deserving’ candidates. According to Bhavya Bhadauria, one of the many 12th graders who are aspiring for DU, ‘Entrance tests would be a nice mechanism to curb illegal processes (like teachers in Bihar reportedly helping kids cheat in finals) and to tackle the options the right way. We might not get our desired percentage in the boards but the probability of getting a desired score in an entrance test seems more likely.’

Aspirants also highlight the inequality in mark distributions for different state boards which might create a bias in measuring cutoffs.
On the other side of the scale are students who feel the cutoff process has been more open to diverse and unbiased admissions. Eric Chopra from Delhi wishes to study History Hons at DU after his boards and is fairly supportive of cutoffs. He cites a personal experience to explain his perspective. ‘Back in 11th, I had served as an exam writer for a special kid during his boards. I was just supposed to be a writer but he actually did not know much. Still even in the subjects where I thought he’ll flunk, he still got marks in 80s.’ Eric recalls, pointing out how boards might end up giving good grade points and percentages to even those who in conventional standards might not have ‘studied much’. However, this sparks off a whole another debate about who’s deserving and who’s not.
Interviewing further school students along similar lines, the consensus was of the view that already a lot of effort and time goes into boards for high schoolers. After completing this seemingly and overhyped Herculean task, preparing for another exam to enter their desired college would be additional burden. Hence, a few students are fine if they are chosen in colleges on the basis of their efforts in the last class of school.
Such discussions also bring out new ideas and ‘what if’ situations. Itanagar’s Oshin Gyati feels that it is saddening that some students despite having a good percentage can’t find admission in their desired DU college for not meeting the cutoff by one percent or even a point percent. ‘Admission should be on the basis of cutoffs but an entrance can be conducted for those who can’t match the cutoff by 1-5 percent.’ She gleefully remarks. While it seems like a helpful alternative but sadly, would seem very impractical to implement. Mrinalinee Sharma, a current first year student in Hindu College, feels that interview and application-based admissions should be introduced like other countries.
The possibilities are endless and all these view points are useful in deciding what’s relevant for students and their undergraduate future. However, the administration needs to take in account other factors too like the diverse social and economic backgrounds of the aspirants. Whatever be the case, cutoffs would seem to prevail at least for the next year, till a change kicks in.

Feature Image Credits: The Asian Age

Shaurya Singh Thapa 

[email protected] 

Keep Reading
By
Campus Central

Off with the Cutoffs? A Student's Perspectives

By

Amidst the recent decision by the HRD ministry on keeping the cutoff system like the way it is (instead of an entrance test exam), different viewpoints emerge amongst the ‘DU aspirant’ demographic. There were talks in the academic circle that in the University of Delhi (DU), soon a method of selection based on entrance exams would replace the usually straightforward system of cutoffs. However as of now, hopes for this seem to have been tarnished as HRD minister Prakash Javadekar ruled against the DU administration’s transitionary move, at least for the 2018-19 batch for now. The complicated nature of the matter can be expressed through Delhi University Teachers Association (DUTA) President Rajib Ray’s statement ‘Neither Vice-Chancellor nor HRD can decide in isolation about the entrance criteria. Procedurally, an ordinance needs to be proposed to the academic council and the decision will be taken thereafter.’ While academicians, deans and professors have accepted this decision in mixed tones, many students who are aspiring to be members of the DU varsity have had more direct opinions. The consensus was in the favour of a change in the system and felt an entrance test would be more useful in picking out the ‘more deserving’ candidates. According to Bhavya Bhadauria, one of the many 12th graders who are aspiring for DU, ‘Entrance tests would be a nice mechanism to curb illegal processes (like teachers in Bihar reportedly helping kids cheat in finals) and to tackle the options the right way. We might not get our desired percentage in the boards but the probability of getting a desired score in an entrance test seems more likely.’ Aspirants also highlight the inequality in mark distributions for different state boards which might create a bias in measuring cutoffs. On the other side of the scale are students who feel the cutoff process has been more open to diverse and unbiased admissions. Eric Chopra from Delhi wishes to study History Hons at DU after his boards and is fairly supportive of cutoffs. He cites a personal experience to explain his perspective. ‘Back in 11th, I had served as an exam writer for a special kid during his boards. I was just supposed to be a writer but he actually did not know much. Still even in the subjects where I thought he’ll flunk, he still got marks in 80s.’ Eric recalls, pointing out how boards might end up giving good grade points and percentages to even those who in conventional standards might not have ‘studied much’. However, this sparks off a whole another debate about who’s deserving and who’s not. Interviewing further school students along similar lines, the consensus was of the view that already a lot of effort and time goes into boards for high schoolers. After completing this seemingly and overhyped Herculean task, preparing for another exam to enter their desired college would be additional burden. Hence, a few students are fine if they are chosen in colleges on the basis of their efforts in the last class of school. Such discussions also bring out new ideas and ‘what if’ situations. Itanagar’s Oshin Gyati feels that it is saddening that some students despite having a good percentage can’t find admission in their desired DU college for not meeting the cutoff by one percent or even a point percent. ‘Admission should be on the basis of cutoffs but an entrance can be conducted for those who can’t match the cutoff by 1-5 percent.’ She gleefully remarks. While it seems like a helpful alternative but sadly, would seem very impractical to implement. Mrinalinee Sharma, a current first year student in Hindu College, feels that interview and application-based admissions should be introduced like other countries. The possibilities are endless and all these view points are useful in deciding what’s relevant for students and their undergraduate future. However, the administration needs to take in account other factors too like the diverse social and economic backgrounds of the aspirants. Whatever be the case, cutoffs would seem to prevail at least for the next year, till a change kicks in. Feature Image Credits: The Asian Age Shaurya Singh Thapa  [email protected] ]]>

Keep Reading
By
DU Admissions

Original Documents Not Mandatory For College Admission: UGC

By

A recent notification released by University Grants Commission (UGC) states that no Higher Educational Institution can retain the original certificates of the students before the admission is confirmed. It also stated that the institutions will have to refund the fees or a part of it if the candidate decides to withdraw his/her admission.

On Wednesday, 10th October 2018, Prakash Javedkar, Union Minister of Human Resource Development, held a press conference in New Delhi addressing the issue of admission withdrawal and certificate verification at the higher educational institutions.

According to the notification, the students would not be required to submit original certificates like mark sheets, character certificate, migration certificate etc. at the time of admission in college. The institution can only verify the abovementioned certificates and these certificates shall be returned to the student immediately. No university can take any original academic or personal certificates into their custody. The UGC has stated that the notification is an effort to help students who have been facing problems during admissions due to coercive and profiteering institutional practices.

Javedkar further announced that if a candidate withdraws his/her admission 15 days prior to the formally stipulated last date of admission, he/she would get a full refund of the fees. Colleges can only charge five percent of the total fees subject to a maximum of INR 5000 as the processing fees. As reported by Times of India, the students would get a 90 percent refund in case they decide to withdraw within 15 days of the notified last admission date, 80 percent refund will be allocated within 15 days after the last date of admission. In case a student decides to withdraw between the 16th day and 30th day after the formally notified last date of admission, 50 percent refund of the fees will be provided. The UGC also decided that no refund will be initiated after 30 days of last day of admission. The refund of fees shall be made by the Higher Educational Institutions within 15 days of receipt of a written application from the student.

Furthermore, no Higher Educational Institute can make it compulsory for the candidate to purchase the prospectus at any time during the course of study. The UGC has directed all the institutions to disclose on their prospectus and website, information regarding the status of the institutions, its affiliation, accreditation status, physical assets and amenities, course-wise sanctioned intake of students, various types of fees payable for different programmes, total fees payable for an entire programme, last date of admission, details of faculty, members of Governing Bodies, and minutes of the meeting of bodies, sources of income, financial situation and any other information about its functioning, necessary for an applicant to make a fully informed choice.

It will be mandatory for all the institutions to have a Grievance Redressal Mechanism, according to the provisions of the UGC Grievance Redressal Regulations, 2012. This GRM shall be available on the website of the institution and they will be required to ensure that all grievances received are addressed within 30 days.

DU Beat contacted a DUTA member, but she was not available for a comment.

Feature Image Credits: India Today

Anoushka Sharma

[email protected]

(With inputs from TOI)

Keep Reading
By
News

Applications for Admission into FMS are Now Open!

By

Faculty of Management Studies (FMS) of the University of Delhi has started the registration process for the academic session 2019-2021. The last date to register is 20th November.

FMS offers one of the best and oldest (inaugurated in 1954) Post Graduate degree courses in Business in India; the alumni are in positions of leadership in industries & governments across the world. It offers various courses, including Masters in Business Administration (MBA), MBA-Executive, Management Development and a Doctoral Programme.

The admission process is extremely selective, with only a small fraction of aspirants making the cut. For the MBA programme, the candidate’s 12th Grade results, Undergraduate Degree results and CAT 2018 (Common Admission Test) Scores are taken into account. 

To encourage diversity of gender and discipline, different weightage will be given to the different sections of CAT. 30% will be given to Quant nd LRDI, while 40% will be given to VARC. 3 additional marks will be added to the composote score for female candidates for the purpose of shortlisting.

Eligibility-

Students need to score atleast 50% marks in their 10th and 12th Board exams and sufficient marks in CAT. The weightage given to all the aspects is as follows:

1. CAT 2018 Score – 60%
2. Marks obtained in Class X – 5%
3. Marks obtained in Class XII – 5%
4. Group Discussion – 10%
5. Extempore – 5%
6. Personal Interview – 15%

Subsequently, the candidate undergoes a series of vigorous group discussions, extempores and personal interviews. There are 200 seats, 50% of which are reserved for students from SC, ST, OBC, PWD, CW and FS categories.,

All candidates are required to register using the online portal www.fms.edu. The direct link to the admissions page is https://fmsadmissions.com. The opening date for the same was 8th October 2018 and the closing date is 20th November 2018. The registration fee is INR 1000 for General Category students, and INR 350 for other categories. The application fee is to be paid online.

 

DU Beat wishes all FMS aspirants all the very best!

 

Feature Image Credits: Faculty of Management Studies

Nikita Bhatia

[email protected]

Keep Reading
By
DUB Speak

How to Break the Ice and Make New Friends as a Fuccha

By

Want to be the Fuccha who is outgoing and energetic and makes new friends just in time for Freshers? Well here are a few ways to make it happen. 

Everyone is a little freaked out and jittery, at the start of something new. As you say goodbyes to hemline skirts and tiring ties college opens arms to you not only as a whole new set, but as a great exposure to seize and realize your ambitions. Most of us are nervous during the initial days of college,  especially for those who are new to the city. However, there is little to fear. If there’s one way to overcome your fears is to stand out and be proactive. Take the first step. Be the fearless person, and resonate.

Everyone in your class is new to college like you are.  So here are a few tips and tricks for the fresher’s as well as for the seniors to delve into a good interaction.

  • A hello goes a long way

A simple salutation, but has a vast vast effect. This was the same hello which you kept hidden from your crush in high school, or the hello which could solve old problems. Say bye to all of that now. A simple hello is a flag wave for initiation of a conversation. And since you have all been through the school and admission process think of all the small talk you can achieve on the first day. So don’t shy away from the opportunity of opening up.

  • Remember that it takes time 

Ever been insecure or slightly pained from that one classmate who the entire class adores or who is the sunshine of the class in just a matter of a few days? Well don’t be disheartened. Every individual has his or her own space and time to open up. Some do it faster, some lower. Take your time and embrace it and then let your wings spread and the magic glow. A little hint, don’t be the quiet and the mute spectator for too long! 

  • Be the first one out

Don’t shy away from approaching an introvert. A personal story from my side- when my college days began, I sat next to a classmate who hardly ever spoke to me. I felt quite reluctant and soon my hellos and greetings faded away, due to her shy response. What I did not realize was that she was an introvert. Soon enough I started initiating conversations and then those small talks became long conversations into love, friendship and life, and soon from strangers we became the best of friends.

  • Be positive and offer positivity

Ever seen a sunflower inclining towards the splashing rays of sunshine? Why? It radiates and gives a sense of warmth. Be as positive and as genuine as possible. People truly bind and appreciate your true-self. Be a person who welcomes every one and is proactive and understanding. Your compassion is your strength remember!

  • Don’t try TOO hard

We always stumble upon that classmate who tries to be a little bit too cool, or a little too loud? Well that’s the case when you try to showcase yourself as someone who you really aren’t.  Don’t try too hard and be someone who you really aren’t. It doesn’t take a lot of time to distinguish between what’s fake and what’s genuine. So try your best to not try to make people like you. Just be yourself and let the magic work.

Now as many of you will be interacting with the seniors, and this is for them also, likewise here are a few ice-breaker activities to release that awkward tension and to form a good bond. Ice-breakers are meant for a fun and relaxing way of conversation. To release any awkwardness or shyness and to make the next person more secure.

Here are a few ice-breakers which will help you:

  • Embarrassing memories

Probably a textbook move, but wait till you hear the details of it all. Yes no one really likes to brag about something unless its their ‘conquests’. Here’s a great way to start your bonding with your juniors.

Start by narrating an embarrassing incident which happened to you and then let everyone share bit by bit till you feel there’s time to move onto the next activity.

  • Two truths and a lie

It’s an interesting way to engage your audience and to make a good fool of others. Try doing this in groups of four or five. Start by narrating 3 incidents. 2 of them have to be the truth and one of them has to be a lie. The other participants have to guess which one is the truth and which one is the lie.

  • First Impressions

It might be a snarky pick but trust me it is worth it. It’s almost like a psycho-analysis for you. Start by indicating three traits that the person sees in you, and has to say it out loud, in front of everyone. It is interesting to see who makes it to the bubbly and who makes it to the snobby list.

  • Memorable Catchy Names

“Sassy Neha”, or “Sleepy Sid”, catchy nick names is a good way to engross and to ensure you get to know each other well. They can get as snarky as you want or as cute as you wish. 

  • Jive time

This counts for one of the last activities after you’ve all blended in with each other. A little jive session, to re-energize and to go bonkers for one last time before the next course begins. It’s a fun way to groove and show your moves and just basically have a lot of fun.

College is all about exploring, and giving your best way to accelerate and move forward.

Feature Image Credits: India

Avnika Chhikara

[email protected]

 

Keep Reading
By
Campus Central

Dealing With Disappointment: University of Delhi Admissions

By

Congratulations to those University of Delhi (DU) aspirants who have been admitted to their preferred college and course! However, this article is not directed towards you. This article provides some words of comfort for those aspirants who have been stung by the bee of disappointment.

As the admission season of 2018-19 is starting to wrap up, it seems like an appropriate time to address the admissions’ disappointment for students who weren’t admitted to their desired course and college in DU.

Disappointment Is Natural:

To begin with, you must realize that it is alright to be disappointed: The sting of admissions’ disappointment is never easy to handle. The first step is to sit down and face the rejections you received. Ignoring them or pretending they don’t affect you will most likely catch up with you later. When I realised that the ‘Mother’ is diagnosed with a deadly illness in the TV series ‘How I Met Your Mother’, I had faced such real and stinging disappointment that I had thought it would take me ages to get over the ending. But eventually, I, like everyone else, moved past it and learned to forgive the producers. Likewise, everyone, in due course, gets over the disappointment of not getting into a particular college or course and learn to forgive the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) or any other root cause of the disappointment.

After Heavy Rains, Comes a Rainbow

If you are taking too long to come out of the ‘being disappointed’ phase, think about Brazil getting eliminated at the quarter-final stage for the third time in the football World Cup. After a period of mourning, it is imperative to cheer yourself up with the uplifting thought that you, out of the more than two lac applicants, have made it to DU. While you are sulking for not having been admitted to the desired course and college, 2 lac other students must be disappointed that they didn’t make it to DU itself.

You Carve Your Own Fate In DU

In a phone call conversation with the DU Beat correspondent, Professor at Deshbandhu College Vandana Kaul spoke some wise words, “Whether you are in St. Stephen’s College or Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, what DU has to offer depends on how much you are willing to accept. A person might spend three years in a “good college” and yet not acquire anything from the 3 years of undergraduate study. On the other hand, a person studying in a not-so-prestigious college might have the most stunning takeaway if he/she is dedicated enough. DU as an institution will provide you with a lot of opportunities. How well you utilize this exposure is completely up to you.”

Embrace Your Present College And Course

Arunima Roy, an assistant teacher at Miranda House told DU Beat, “You never know, you might turn out to be miserable at your desired college, but a college which you were not even considering, might actually be the greatest place for you.”

She added, “Students must focus and worry about things over which they currently have control, and not those things over which they don’t. Instead of whining over not getting into your desired college, you should start bracing yourself for life at a different college.”

“Sure, it would be exciting to be admitted to St. Stephen’s or Ramjas or Lady Shri Ram College”, Professor Vandana Kaul remarked matter-of-factly. She went on, “However, you must introspect on the factors that are appealing about those colleges, find those qualities in other colleges, and make the most of where you currently are or what you are currently pursuing.”

Officially Equal

Anshul Rastogi, a DU graduate from Sri Aurobindo College, told DU Beat, “While it would be wishful thinking to say that there are no differences between various colleges of DU, it is true that they are officially equal. The certificate which you secure at the completion of your graduation only mentions that you have graduated from the University of Delhi, and nothing about the college you graduated from.”

Wrong Course: A Disaster?

Realising that you were admitted to a course other than the one you had desired is not enviable, but it is not the disaster that it might have been made out to be. Lucy Buragohain, a student studying in the Department of Sociology in Delhi School of Economics (DSE) told the DU Beat correspondent, “I was pursuing Philosophy (hons) for my under-graduation. While I was dissatisfied with my course, I started preparing for the DSE entrance exam in Sociology. Thus, if you are aiming for higher studies, under-graduation only forms your primary level of study. You can always change your direction in post-graduation.” Since admission to Master’s courses in most universities of the country are based on entrances, changing your course after graduation is even more affable.

 

Feature Image Credits: Veritas Prep

Vaibhavi Sharma Pathak

[email protected]

 

Keep Reading
By