JNU reduces points for urban women applicants

‘Deprivation’ points are given to applicants from backward areas. Earlier, all women applicants got 5 deprivation points in the entrance exam.

Women students applying to JNU for the coming academic session will not get as many ‘deprivation’ points, or grace marks, as their predecessors got. Students have criticised the move.

Women students applying to JNU for the coming academic session will not get as many ‘deprivation’ points, or grace marks, as their predecessors got. (Sanjeev Verma/HT file photo)

‘Deprivation’ points are given to applicants from backward areas. Earlier, all women applicants got 5 deprivation points in the entrance exam. The move was started by JNU in 1994 to promote higher education among women.

In addition, if they belonged to backward areas listed by JNU under quartile 1 (demarcation of backwardareas)and quartile2, they got 5 and 3 marks, respectively.

“Women applicants from both urban and rural areas used to get 5 points, but it mostly benefited urban women. The new system will increase representation of women from rural areas,” said Bupinder Zutshi, director, admissions. “Now, applicants from urban areas will get 2 points and those from JNU’s list of backward areas will get 4 marks. Moreover, women will get deprivation points depending on their quartile district,” Zutshi said.

Students have criticised the move. “This was not discussed at the Academic Council,” said Shehla Rashid Shora, JNU students union vice-president.