Is Delhi University Transforming the Education Process in India?

Day 1: 39,000

Day 2: 80,000+

We are not talking about a gathering of a group of people, but the number of applications for Delhi University on just the second day of admissions to undergraduate programmes for the academic year of 2016.

As India’s premier university, DU opened admissions for all of its colleges on June 1, 2016 for all of its 60,000 seats at the UG level. By 6:00 pm on June 2, 2016, the number of online applications had swelled to 81,524 applications with 21, 589 applications with payments.

Aiming for a simplified admission process, Delhi University (DU) has introduced a completely online admission procedure for UG admissions unlike previous years when it used to be both online and offline. A first, this can be looked upon as an initiative for transforming education in India. True, it needs a little getting used to, especially for people who are new to the admission process. But this is a good solution to problems involved with physical form submission to colleges as well as wards and students.

It is not out of thin air that DU ahs decided to automate its online admission process. A lot of thought process and preparation has gone behind it. And it really seems like DU is all set out to transform education process in India!

Transforming Education:

Tech Support:

Delhi University colleges have decided to make their computer laboratories available for online admission. All that an applicant has to do now is to upload scans and copies of over a dozen documents as is required by DU, along with filling and submitting a slightly detailed online form. In addition, students can go to any college with a computer laboratory or centre and seek assistance. A first for DU, it is such a welcome move.

Hi - Tech Helpdesks:

As is every year, 2016 admission to Delhi University will have a lot of help desks for assistance. But these helpdesks are different from the previous years. 2016 DU admissions helpdesk is a system in which applications into even extra-curricular activities (ECA) and sports quota will be filed online.

In fact, student organisations like Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad are setting up such kiosks or helpdesks with computers and printers and net-enabled. They will even strive to have scanners wherever possible. If that’s not possible, then students can even scan the documents via phone. For Noth Campus area, there is a helpdesk facility set up at the Arts Faculty and one at the Metro Station.

Metro Stations the new Hangout:

The National Students Union of India has set up its helpdesks at the stations closest to colleges across Delhi. "DU gets many outstation candidates who like to visit the campuses, get familiar and figure out what facilities are available," says NSUI spokesperson Neeraj Mishra. There are plans to establish a helpline for each zone as well.

North - East Forum for International Solidarity Help Desk:

The North-East Forum for International Solidarity, has announced setting up of helpdesks with computers and scanners. "We are already counseling students and helping them fill forms. In Delhi, we'll only give out helpline numbers," said Chinglen Khumukcham of NEFIS.

Open Days & Counseling Sessions:

“Open Days" or counseling sessions are also being held for admission related queries of wards and students. In addition, Delhi University authorities have uploaded an animated video on YouTube with details of the filling up of application forms and further process.

Schools to the Rescue:

As if efforts put in by colleges and student associations were not enough, schools in Delhi have decided to open their doors to students for 2016 DU admissions. Tania Joshi of the Indian School has invited her students to use the resources of the school to apply and upload documents for free. "I had a kid call me today and she was quite upset about the uploading. This is the first batch and while most kids will have computers and access to the net, they may not have provisions for scanning etc.," says Joshi, "I've told them they can come to the school and do it anytime they like."

Important Dates for Delhi University Admissions 2016:

Application Procedure for DU Admissions 2016:

• Online application only – on the official website of DU

Fee for Application to UG Programmes in DU 2016:

It seems like it’s a joint collaborative effort to transform the education process in India. In a situation when scandals and corruption rule the day, it is very comforting to see everyone come together for a better reason – education. This in the real true sense is "transformation in education".