New Delhi : The Delhi University (DU) has released the first cut-off list for admissions into the undergraduate programmes across all its colleges. If you are an average performer, meaning if you have not scored anything above 98 percent in your 12th board examinations, chances are you will not get through to any college/course of your choice. But, the important question is, do the cut-offs make sense?
There is a significant difference in the way the admission process works in India versus in the West. The board examination scores are important, no doubt. But, just 98 percent in the Class 12 board examination will not guarantee a seat in a US university. The aptitude is crucial, so is how good a candidate is in non-academic activities like sports, art or music.
Popular Indian universities like DU, on the other hand, select students primarily on the basis of the marks they scored. While a handful of colleges do have entrance examinations and interviews, the board examination score is the first entry barrier.
An aptitude test accompanied by 80-85 percent cut-off range would open up opportunities for many more students. Further, both the college and the prospective candidate stand to gain. This also eliminates any unfair advantage that a student has on account of belonging to a particular board or state.
