Delhi University (DU) has long been regarded as one of India’s most prestigious institutions for higher education. Every year, thousands of students aspire to be a part of this esteemed university. However, the 2023 PG admission process has raised serious concerns regarding transparency and adherence to guidelines.
I am a student and a candidate for PG (post-graduation) admissions in DU (Delhi University) and I want to bring to light two significant issues that have affected numerous students, including myself. This article sheds light on the irregularities in DU’s PG admissions and the urgent need for rectification.
Lack of Transparency in Publishing Merit Lists
One of the fundamental aspects of any admission process is the publication of merit lists and cutoffs, providing candidates with crucial information about the admission criteria. However, the 2023 PG admissions in DU have been marked by a disturbing lack of transparency. DU’s admission guidelines, found in the “COMMON SEAT ALLOCATION SYSTEM (CSAS),” explicitly state that merit lists will be published (point 11, Page 5 of the document).
Despite these clear guidelines, DU has refused to publish any merit list or cutoff list for PG admissions in 2023 without providing any valid reason or explanation. Previous years have seen DU consistently releasing merit lists, making this a glaring departure from established practice. This lack of transparency raises several concerns:
- Unknown Admission Criteria: Without a published cutoff or merit list, candidates are left in the dark about the marks required for admission in each category, creating uncertainty and confusion.
- Potential Corruption Suspicions: The absence of clear admission criteria opens the door to suspicions of corruption. Candidates with lower marks may gain admission, while more deserving candidates with higher marks might be overlooked without any accountability.
Admission Rejection Without Valid Reason
My experience highlights another concerning issue in DU’s PG admissions process. I received admission to Daulat Ram College (DRC) in the 1st round on August 17, 2023. However, the following day, my admission status was changed to “rejected” by DRC, citing my failure to meet the criteria of category 2.
My application clearly indicated my category as 1, and I received confirmation from DRC that there was no error in my application. This raises questions about the validity of the reason for the rejection. I am not alone in facing this issue, as many other students also encountered similar problems.
DU’s Response and Ongoing Ambiguity
In response to student protests and concerns about illegal rejections, DU issued a public notice on August 21, 2023, stating that students like myself would be considered for admissions in subsequent rounds. However, as of the 2nd round of admissions, there has been no change in my application status. It still reflects my rejection in the 1st round, with no information about the status in the 2nd round.
Additionally, since DU has not published any cutoff lists, students like me have no way of knowing whether we were considered in the 2nd round or what criteria were used for selection.
Our Demand: Ensuring Adherence to Admission Guidelines
Me and many more affected students are calling for DU to adhere to its own admission guidelines and take the following actions:
- Publish Cutoff Lists: DU must immediately publish cutoff lists for PG 2023 admissions to ensure transparency and fairness.
- Review and Rectify Rejections: DU should thoroughly review and rectify instances of unjust rejections and ensure that admissions are carried out as per the guidelines.
- Communication and Clarity: Provide clear communication to students regarding their admission status in all rounds of the admission process, including an explanation of any changes in status.
Media Coverage: A Mere Report Without Delving into Implications
While the irregularities in Delhi University’s PG admissions for 2023 have garnered some media attention, it is disheartening to note that the coverage has been largely superficial. The media has reported on individual incidents without delving into the broader implications of these irregularities. Most notably, the media has failed to question DU about the absence of cutoff lists or provide any meaningful analysis on this matter.
The role of the media in any society extends beyond merely reporting events; it also includes investigative journalism, scrutinizing institutions, and advocating for the rights and interests of the public. In the case of DU’s PG admissions, there is a pressing need for the media to ask pertinent questions and provide a deeper understanding of the implications of these irregularities.
Conclusion
The issues raised by me and other affected students in DU’s PG admissions 2023 highlight the critical importance of transparency, fairness, and adherence to guidelines in the admission process. As the admissions process continues, it is imperative that DU addresses these concerns promptly to maintain its reputation for academic excellence and uphold the rights of aspiring students. The demand for transparency and fairness in admissions is not just about individual cases but is a call for accountability and integrity within the educational system.