Delhi University admissions: BA programme, most sought-after course this year
With over 10,000 admissions taking place in the BA programme in Delhi University this year after the release of the fifth cut-off list, the undergraduate degree programme has become the most sought-after course. Professors at the University say that the BA programme is no longer "the poor cousin of honors degree courses" and is not a backup option. Here's more.
SGND Khalsa BA admissions for general-category closed after third cut-off
Manmohan Kaur, the principal of Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College, said that admissions to the BA programme for the general category were closed after the third cut-off list. Nidhi Bhandari, the convener of BA programme committee at Kamla Nehru College, meanwhile, said that students want to keep their options open for MA courses and it allows them greater flexibility.
Skill enhancement courses under BA help enhance students' knowledge: Professor
Bhandari said, "They (BA students) study two main discipline subjects and apart from that, they have skill enhancement courses and generic courses. they get to study subjects other than their main subjects," Bhandari said. She added that students can choose a combination of their choices like Math and Sociology, English and Political Science, etc. thus making them eligible for all the competitive exams.
BA students not restricted to studying single subject
Another reason for the course being a hit with the students is there is a perception that it is helpful for civil services examination. "During admission time, many students come to us with queries about how BA programme is helpful for preparation of civil services examination. There are lots of combinations available under the programme (unlike the three-year honors courses)," a professor said.
Many students feel they have wider choice with BA programme
Rajib Ray, a philosophy professor at Kirori Mal College, said students who have done their BA programme from DU progressed well in their careers. "Students have this perception that they need a bit of preparation for civil services examination right from graduation and with a heavy honors degree course, it would be difficult and they can do better with a BA programme," he added.
BA programme's popularity can be attributed to herd mentality: Kaur
"This is a cycle. When we were students, Science was the most popular course and then came the phase of Commerce. Currently, it is the situation with BA programme. They (students) feel that they will have better-informed choices," Kaur added.
