Dilemma over cut-offs

Q: Is it true that even though students meet the cut-off percentage of a particular college, they will only be admitted on a first-come first- served basis? If I opt for a particular college in the first list, will I be able to withdraw my certificates if I get a better option in the second list?

Hitesh

A: Following divergent views among various college authorities on this issue, Delhi University has categorically clarified that no student who qualifies on the basis of the cut-off percentage indicated in the college list will be denied admission provided the fees are paid within the stipulated deadline regardless of the number of seats for the course.

While colleges may claim not to create problems, but the truth is that it takes a while to retrieve your certificates. Although the game of musical chairs is an annual ritual, the second cut-off list last year did not leave much option for students seeking admission in commerce courses.

Venkateswara College in South Campus and Daulat Ram in North Campus closed admissions after the first list, while some others like Shri Ram College of Commerce, Hindu College and Hans Raj College (all in North Campus) lowered their percentage only marginally.

Some colleges increased their intake of science students in excess of their seat strength as they anticipated more dropouts due to the Delhi government’s decision to add 590 seats in engineering colleges affiliated to Delhi University and Guru Govind Singh Indraprastha University(GGSIPU).

Some others did not even lower their cut-offs for science courses despite availability of seats. Biology was perhaps a lone exception. The cut-off fell from 72 per cent to 68 per cent in Gargi College and from 72 per cent to 65 per cent in Khalsa College.

The most significant drop is in the case of Hindi and Sanskrit for which even a fourth list is issued.

Pursuing arts in Mumbai

Q: I have completed my Class XII with science. I want to take up arts in college. Can I do so? Please suggest a few good colleges in Mumbai which offer graduation in arts.

Kalpana Sarkar

A: Shifting from science to arts (including fine arts) should not be a problem. However, some colleges may deduct a small percentage (3-5 per cent) from your aggregate. St Xavier’s College, Elphinstone College, Bhavan’s College, K.J. Somaiya College, Jai Hind College, D G Ruparel College (website: www.pmsuleruparel.edu), etc. are some of the top rung colleges in Mumbai that offer a bachelors degree in arts & humanities.

For further details you could log on to the Mumbai University (website: www.mu.ac.in).

Learning mathematics long distance

Q: I am a Class XII commerce student. Will I be able to take admission in BSc (Maths) through correspondence in any university?

Mahendra Paul

A: Fortunately you can. BSc (math) is offered at a number of universities through the distance learning mode: Andhra University, A.P.S. Rewa University, Barkatullah University, Delhi University, Himachal Pradesh University, Kurukshetra University, Jammu University, Punjab University, Panjabi University, Burdwan University, Netaji Subhash Open University and so on.

The following universities even offer BSc (math) through distance learning. And barring a couple, no other formal qualifications are necessary as long as you have cleared your Class XII.

• Netaji Subhas Open University, Woodburn Park , Calcutta 700 020.

• Annamalai University, Directorate of Distance Education, Annamalainagar 608 002. Courses ?BSc math; Also BSc maths & BSc computer application; BSc math & BSc IT, BSc math & BSc visual communications (four-year dual degree) .

• Dr B.R. Ambedkar Open University, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad 500033, website: www.braou.ac.in.

• Madhya Pradesh Bhoj (Open) University, Bhopal. Course: BSc (honours) math.

Q: I am a Class XII student with geography, economics and political science. I am interested in geography and economics but am undecided as to which subject will benefit me more in my future career. Please advise.

Sumit Ganguly

A: From the career point of view, economics will certainly offer wider options than geography. Geography provides specialised and limited job options. If economics interests you, you could enrol for the following Foundation Courses alongside your graduation:

• The Chartered Accountancy Foundation Course.

• The Cost & Works Accountancy Course.

• The Company Secretary Course.

• Bachelor of Business Administration/Studies.

• Bachelor in Financial Investment & Analysis.

• Bachelors in Economics.