All eyes on OBC seats

The hopes of general candidates and SC/ST applicants are pinned on the extra 7,000 seats on offer at Delhi University. While there has been an increase of approximately 1,600 seats in SC/ST category, the general category seats remain unchanged, reports Swaha Sahoo.

The hopes of general candidates and SC/ST applicants are pinned on the extra 7,000 seats on offer at Delhi University.

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Although majority of the seat increase is for OBC category, preliminary data analysis of applications has revealed an increase of 21 per cent in general category applications, taking the ratio to three students per seat. SC/ST applications have increased by 26 per cent.

In comparison, there is an increase of around 4,000 forms in the OBC category. Around 1,600 OBC applications have been received for approximately 8,800 seats.

While there has been an increase of approximately 1,600 seats in SC/ST category, the general category seats remain unchanged.

But students are banking on a Supreme Court directive asking all empty OBC seats to be given to open category.

“If all the OBC are not filled then the seats will be open for admission to the general category and we will get a second chance,” said Sukhdeep Kaur, who scored 85 per cent and wants to study B Com (H).

University officials said the problems regarding OBC seats remained.

“It is too early to comment on the final number of OBC applications. Many forms are rejected because the candidate does not have a OBC certificate,” said SK Vij, Dean (Students Welfare).

Problems galore:

In 2008, almost 50 per cent of seats reserved for OBCs went vacant and chances are that a good chunk of OBC seats will remain empty this year too.

“Many students are unable to furnish non-creamy layer certificate. Secondly, not many can afford to come to Delhi and study for three years,” said Vij. “There is also ambiguity and clash between the OBC lists prepared by the States and the Central government,” he said.

The fact that there is a maximum of 10 percent difference in merit between general category seats and OBC seats only makes it more difficult for OBC category students.

The bad news for open category students is that Delhi University is yet to work out the admission formalities for transfer of OBC seats.

“Colleges have the right to admit students till August 16. They can only transfer the seats once admission is closed in both the categories. We will work out the dates and students will be informed through a notice about the seats available,” said Vij.