Admission pangs on campus

By Lakshmi Balakrishnan

NEW DELHI, JUNE 25. Clouds of tension, confusion and apprehension loomed large over the Delhi University campus today, as students -- with equally concerned parents in tow -- thronged colleges to confirm the first cut-off list and clear doubts about the admission procedure.

While gearing up for the D-day, many came to clear their ``fundas'' of admission, some came just to check the first cut- off list put up by various colleges. North Campus is where most ``fuchchas'' want to be, so most students headed in that direction early this morning -- braving the unpredictable weather -- to ascertain if they were lucky enough to get a seat in any of the prestigious colleges.

With every mark making a difference, those who were either just short of the cut-off or had huffed and puffed their way to the required number wore a worry on their faces. The big question was whether they should wait for the second list or go in for the first college in which they were getting admission.

``I was unable to fathom the cut-off list given out by newspapers, as they were quite ambiguous in some cases. I am short by 0.25 per cent to get admission here, so I have decided to wait for the second list rather than get admission elsewhere,'' said Megha Mittal seeking admission in B.Com (Hons) Course at Hindu College.

With doubts lingering in the minds, many other candidates were seen approaching college authorities to find out if they will get a seat as ``their'' marks were on the lower side of the cut-off range. Those who had decided to shift from science to commerce stream had the maximum questions.

With the Delhi University Karamchari Union (DUKU) deciding to continue their strike on Tuesday and most staff staying off work, the admission procedure is expected to receive a jolt. While most colleges authorities are still trying to figure out a way to deal with possible chaos, the administrative block of most institutes was swarming with people today.

In fact, such was the extent of confusion and anxiety that even junior staff of colleges were seen donning the counsellor's cap to pass on a tip or two to students and parents.

Nervous and eager parents literally queued up outside the principal's office, which resembled a guarded chamber in most colleges, seeking a meeting with the big boss. Carrying complaints and requests, most families did not seem to mind the glares coming their way from junior employees who grabbed the opportunity of playing policeman outside the principal office.

At Kirori Mal College, parents and students were literally shooed away in the direction of the notice board. ``There are three different boards displaying the cut-off but they still come here and ask. We don't mind answering genuine queries, but this is either a case of sheer ignorance or stupidity,'' quipped a KMC employee.

It was testing time for those at St.Stephen's College with nervous students lining up to take what will, perhaps, be the first important interview of their life. Not all will make it in the first lot, however. For that matter, not all colleges will come out with a second list for all courses. All said and done, the city would have certainly added some smiling faces to its first lot of freshers by tomorrow evening.

Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Section  : Other States
Previous : Adivasi leader killed in police firing
Next     : Amarnath registration chaos