High college cut-offs signal unreal abilities
Undergraduate admissions in Delhi University and the soaring cut-offs this year seem to be a mirror image of the inflationary conditions in the economy. Only students who have scored above 93 percent could find their names in first lists. Of course, the easiest thing to do is to blame the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), but it is the truth of the ratio of Delhi to outsider admissions that brings the moot point about justice to its own flock. Attributing liberal marking by CBSE examiners for the sky-high cut-off marks is only part of the story of the ongoing admission process at Delhi University. With colleges seeing a considerable increase in the number of applications to popular subjects this time, admission in-charges are claiming that the rise in percentages was only natural.
Between science and commerce, the latter is preferred by a higher percentage of applicants. Interestingly, the cut-off for science this time is the same as last year. But colleges have decided to raise the percentage for commerce, and therein lie the hue and cry of disappointments and disillusioned student seekers.
Reports show that in some colleges, there were 1,000 applications for 30 seats in computer science alone. Most courses across the board have seen a 10 to 20 per cent increase in the number of applications. To tackle the pressure and the inbound rush, colleges have deliberately increased the cut-off marks this time in economics, physics, electronics and mathematics.
What is dismal is the ripple effect in terms of anxiety and desperation for both students and parents. Add to that the new lexicon of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes candidates and those with disabilities. Of course, everyone has a right to seek an admission but the reduction of seats for normal residents of Delhi who are not in the caste or disabled categories will give rise to an unreal situation in which there will be desperation to get in by hook or by crook. How will the colleges tackle the case of students who procure a caste or disability category certificate only for the sake of admission?
For some colleges, like Shri Ram College of Commerce, Lady Shri Ram College and St. Stephen’s, it is about identity and reputation rather than merely good marks that determine the high cut-off marks. For colleges with a higher reputation, the difference between B.Com (Honours) in Ramjas College and Shri Ram College of Commerce is just marginal. While the former is asking for 94.5-96.5 percent, the latter requires 92-96 percent from its students.
Does this suggest that students who scored below 93 percent stand no chance at all? Maybe, especially since the chances of a third list is minimal. What is sad is that the equations for seats will change. The nation may also see many more students claiming to be from the Scheduled Castes or Scheduled Tribes because it becomes a case of a “means to an end”. Students then cannot chase a dream subject but
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