DU mulls replacing cut-off system with aptitude test

The Delhi University hit the headlines for all the wrong reasons on Wednesday, after the 100 per cent cut-off for SRCC's B Com (Hons) course drew adverse criticism from many, including the Union Human Resource Development (HRD) Minister.

One of the reforms mooted by the HRD Ministry is a common entrance exam. For seeking public opinion, the first document for such a test will be posted on india.gov.in/nts till June 21. Termed as the National Test Scheme, it has been designed primarily to replace multiple entrance tests for professional courses. However, a ministry official said it could be scaled up for other courses too.

Interestingly, the idea of replacing the cut-off regime with an aptitude test finds favour with a number of people associated with the Delhi University. "We could have a national-level examination to test different parameters, with scores that can be accepted by all universities. However, we cannot ignore the CBSE and hold multiple aptitude tests in the University. If that happens, the University will become an examining body," said Vice-Chancellor Dinesh Singh.

Singh also spoke on the possibility of the University having a say in the preparation of cut-off lists. "As of now, the University has no say in the fixing cut-off marks, which is the prerogative of the college staff councils. We will have to change the statutes of the University to see how we can centralise the procedure and ensure that stray incidents like this do not happen," said Singh, adding that nothing has been formalised yet.

Singh's immediate predecessor Deepak Pental also favoured an aptitude test, but elaborated on the need for a multi-pronged approach to admit students. "Of late, there has been grade inflation in the CBSE. They should make the students think. It would be good to have 20 per cent tough questions in the exams," he said.

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