The Venky story

"Is this form common for all colleges or for applying only to this college" This was probably the most frequently asked question at the inquiry desk at Venkateshwara College in the South Campus.

Hassled parents and confused students walked from one notice-board displaying the criteria for admission to another with last year's cut-off list put up on it. While group of students who came to apply discussed their chances of getting in, it was perhaps the parents who seemed to be the most worried lot.

"My daughter got 70 per cent in her four favourite subjects. She wants to do B Com (Hons) but these cut-off lists are so discouraging. I feel there is no chance for her." , says Mrs. Raj Kumari who had come to Venkateshwara College while her daughter had gone to Jamia to get admission forms.

"Our educational system is faulty. I feel every student should get a chance to get the course of his/her choice. After all, they are still learning, not applying for a job or something", she tells.

The high cut-off marks seemed to scare even those who have done exceptionally well. I would have liked to get admission in SRCC for B.Com (Hons) but my chances are very slim" remarked Bhavya Kapoor who secured 93 per cent. " But Venky's cut-off was 92.5 per cent, so I hope to get in here", she said.

Mudita Lall secured 80 per cent in humanities from St Thomas School and wants to pursue BA Eng (Hons). "My priority is Hindu College, Hansraj and Venky. And yes Gargi is also a good college for English." But why is nobody talking about St. Stephen's or LSR?

"I know that with 80 per cent marks, I can't secure admission at St. Stephen's, I'll apply for LSR though", Mudita says.

But there are students who are not bothered by their average marks. Edwin Charles who secured 78 per cent and wants to pursue BA Programme would try the sports quota with football as his sport. "I would have like to get in SRCC which has a good football team but I want to do either BA Programme or BCom (Pass)", he says.

Also, for these students, proximity to home is another criteria for choosing a college. "I stay in Malviya Nagar, so I would definitely like to choose a college in South Campus, near my house", says Edwin.

Mudita reinterates "Even I would prefer Gargi over other colleges in North Campus. It makes no sense to travel for so long and waste time."

Seems like the GenX applying to the university know very well what they want.