The preference for DU across the nation is a sad commentary on the state of higher education

The process of admissions to undergraduate courses in Delhi University (DU) is an annual celebration of cosmopolitan student life in the national capital. Not even the COVID-19 pandemic could dent the fervour last year. Ironically, this year, all it took was a mindless remark by a Delhi University professor to dampen the spirit. The professor, who is of a certain political disposition, claimed a “marks jihad” by the Kerala education board. He contented that the board gave 100 per cent marks to its students to “over admit” those from Kerala to particular courses. The university bosses did not like his insinuation and he was ticked off. Two years ago, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal promised in the Aam Aadmi Party manifesto before the assembly elections that 85 per cent of Delhi University seats would be reserved for the Capital’s residents. The Chief Minister, like the physics professor, did not realise that DU is a central university, bound by the Delhi University Act, and it does not come under the purview of any State Government. It treats all education boards alike and nobody can reserve seats for any demographic grouping. Such parochial outlooks apart, admissions time in DU involves millions of people all over India – students, parents, guardians and counsellors – making it a national event. The cut-offs, including 100 per cent for some courses, the number of applications, the numerous lists, make front-page news. Of the 70,000 seats up for grabs this year, over 41,000 seats were secured at the end of the first cut-off. Of this number, around 10,000 seats went to students from various State boards, the rest going to CBSE students.

By the end of the admissions process, Delhi would have become a bit more cosmopolitan than last year. In a broader sense, however, the overwhelming preference for DU across the country is a sad commentary on the general health of higher education in the States. Meritorious students leave for Delhi just as after their graduation they will leave India for abroad.  Most outstation students come to Delhi because they are dissatisfied with the teaching standards, academic environment and competition back home and Delhi’s perceived importance as a stepping stone. Pushing this migration, if it can be called that, is a growing force of senior students and even State Governments. Students’ associations of north-eastern and southern States set up help desks in State capitals and Delhi to guide prospective students in selecting courses and colleges, acclimatising themselves in Delhi, or even learning Hindi and getting used to local street food. In the south, the Government-run Telangana Tribal and Social Welfare Residential Educational Institutions Society encourages students from lower castes and classes to get admissions in DU, covering their fees and hostel expenses. What makes the Telangana case unique is the Government’s overt push to enable marginalised young people to make the long journey from their remote homes to Delhi University.