100% cut-off in DU disheartens aspirants

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The cut-offs are out and lakhs of Delhi University aspirants are in a tizzy. With the cut-off of courses like English and Journalism touching the 100 per cent mark, language teachers and students argue that number games don’t work for courses like these, and admission to them should instead be based on aptitude, flair and love of the language.

Interestingly, this is for the first time that instead of an entrance and interview, cut-off was set for the Journalism course too.
While those lucky ones who have managed the boastful three-digit percentage are busy at the admission counters, others take on to the social networking forums to voice their concern and are thinking of alternate options.
Moin Ahmed, an aspirant with 90 per cent score who has been keen on a course in English, finds his plans taking a complete turn and will now listen to his parents and opt for Mathematics instead. “It’s just impossible to get admission in English with my marks and to top that I am an outstation candidate. So, I will try my luck at colleges like Deen Dayal and Zakir Hussain as I can’t even dream of St. Stephens and Ramjas,” he says.
Another English aspirant Erina Jabir from Kashmir has given up her hopes for English (Hons) in Delhi University and instead will be returning to her hometown Kashmir where she will join the same course.
“My DU dreams are over. Parents are suggesting me to stay back and try at other colleges, but I don’t think that’s going to make a difference. I am very keen on English and won’t give up on it,” she says.
Many Journalism aspirants are considering private colleges for the courses of their choice. “I have been preparing for the entrance for long, but was shocked to see such a cut-off. I have no option but to explore the private colleges and have in fact started collecting the brochures,” says Neha Kav, a student.
Ruksana Shroff, associate Professor, English, at Lady Shri Ram College, is among those who are in favour of a written test for the language courses, which according to her is the right way to test the aptitude of the students. “Often deserving students who may not have managed to score well are left out following the cut-offs,” she says. But is it actually possible to score a perfect 100 in English? She smiles, “This is a problem with the school boards who have been marking leniently and a disparity is being created,” she says.