dailyO
Politics

How high may DU cut-offs be this year?

Advertisement
Aarushi Chadha
Aarushi ChadhaJun 18, 2015 | 09:40

How high may DU cut-offs be this year?

The time leading up to any major event often witnesses a lot of speculation from those involved, and bystanders as well. So it is understandable when the period before the release of college cut-offs elicits some hypothesising.

Theories about the same have been contributed by everyone and anyone lately. A lot of opinion have poured in from distant relatives. The two things that apparently bring Indian families together are family politics and board exam results.

Advertisement

There are also many neighbours who've presented their take on it. And then of course, views have also been offered by people closest to the entire process, my teachers and classmates.

There seems to be a mixed bag of opinions. But the one which is most prevalent is that cut-offs will increase even further. How will that even be possible after last year's already skyrocketing percentages, you ask? Well, in the Delhi University (DU) we trust. I'm sure the university authorities will find a way to baffle us further this year and beat their own record.

In other news, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) marksheets arrived at the school and they were prompt enough to inform us immediately. They were ours to collect this week. So my mother, brother and I excitedly hurried to school on Monday laden with home-baked cake and coconut barfi. It is criminal to share good news with someone without offering them something sweet first.

On reaching, we found a friend of mine and her mother armed with their own box of boondi-ke-laddoo. There ensued a great deal of hugging and congratulating. After having collected my marksheet, we proceeded to scavenge the mostly empty school in search of people to share our happiness and sweets with.

Advertisement

Later during the week, however, the feelings of thrill and glee were replaced with exasperation and impatience. My father and I had submitted an application for my Psychology answer sheet to be verified. I felt like the marks scored weren't a reflection of my performance in the board exams. Not just me but even my Psychology teacher was taken by surprise. The two times she met me after that she asked me, "Das number kahan gaye?"

It has been over a week and we still haven't received an update on it. A day later I enviously heard the news of one of my friends being informed of the verification of her Physics answer sheet. She had had 11 marks increased. I crossed my fingers, toes and every possible limb in the hope of hearing similar news.

Meanwhile, there has been talk of implementing a credit system in the DU. The credit system involves "the conversion from marks to letter grades and the letter grades used vary widely across the HEIs in the country", as described by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The students are given a choice to pick from core, elective or soft skill courses. According to the credit-based semester system, a degree/diploma is awarded to the student on having earned a prescribed number of credits.

Advertisement

While the system does seem promising for students, it appears impossible to have it implemented at such a short notice. Not only that, but it is also unfair to expect universities to suddenly comply with such demands without having the required faculty, organisation and infrastructure.

This week has certainly witnessed some interesting developments in the education world. But I have an inkling that the next one will be quieter, being the week before the cut-offs come out. Let us hope that it doesn't bring any ugly surprises.

Last updated: June 18, 2015 | 09:40
IN THIS STORY
Please log in
I agree with DailyO's privacy policy