When cut-offs cut you off

The jump from school to college is a major one, to say the least. A student goes from worrying about their marks in the board examinations to  figuring out the options that are available in terms of what course to pursue and what institution has that particular option. There are other questions that linger, which are, “What course should I pursue?” “Course over college or the other way around?”

Last week, Delhi University (DU) released their first cutoff lists were for applying for the Shri Ram College of Commerce; the highest cut-off recorded in B.Com was 98.50% and while that for BA Economic was 98.75%. The Hindu College’s second cut-off list 2019, for general category, the college has asked for 98.25% for BA (Hons) Economics, 97.75% for B.Com (Hons and 97% for B.Sc (Hons) Zoology.

Chhavi Bakaria, an academician, on the issue of students now moving towards private universities to pursue their further education, elaborates, “For most students, it is nothing less than a dream come true to get through the prestigious DU.”

She then points out that around 23,000 out of a total of 60,000 seats were filled even after the first cut-off list, which required around 99% to get into a good North Campus college. It shows a huge demand-supply dynamic at play in a country where 50% of its population is below 25 years of age.

She then adds, “The competition for DU is a national one with many outside Delhi students eyeing a seat. So it comes as a no surprise that Delhi students are opting for private colleges. In my opinion, the courses run by private colleges are equally if not more rigorous only sans the DU tag.”

Many students after joining private institutions do not regret the decision after all. On the same, she comments, “I think the only limit to learning is oneself. One should not be disheartened by not getting a favorite college or university but rather focus on learning as much as possible and become a better professional.”

Iraa, a first-year student of a private university opines that DU has been on top priority when it comes to college aspirants, however the time is changing. “Private colleges have started to make their own way because of a more lenient way of admission, considering the marks. DU has been good in its own ways however, the cutoffs are very unrealistic”, she feels.

She reveals that students fall into depression and even end their life because of the pressure that is created just to get good marks in 12th so that they meet the so-called cutoffs of DU. Hence, this scenario has made people now choose private colleges over DU.

Kamya, another first-year student, says that most of the students are shifting their preference from DU to private and semi-private universities as the cut-offs are irrationally touching skies. “There is no  point left in working hard and get even an aggregate of 94 because ultimately, the score doesn't get you a good college even if the student is a good performer in the subject concerned”, she says and adds, “Hence, it is obvious for people to change their preference to entrance based universities where there is a realistic goal setting and more chances of getting into a good college.”

Ambar, a recent graduate feels that some people don't mind private college, others see it as an inferior option as compared to DU colleges. “ I think private colleges are a better thing for us as students because now we have more places to choose from”, he says.

Karan’s child, who was just admitted into a private university, points out that unusually high cut-offs at DU are causing much distress among parents, especially since the Delhi chief minister, had made statements like DU for Delhi kids first that, of course, has fallen flat. “Private colleges are booming and flourishing as students in the 90% category still can't find a seat in any of the college's mainstream as outstation students are taking those seats away.” He then adds, “Children scoring less than 90% can't even get admission into a college of the second choice as there also the cut-off is knocking them back. This trend is getting worse and is becoming a nightmare for parents as well.”

All in all, with extraordinarily good private colleges cropping up in Delhi and around, which have heavily invested in good faculties, DU has to find a way to address these concerns.