The Growing Problem of High DU Cut-Offs after Board Exams

by Richa Jha Asistent Manager

In the last five years, the number of students scoring between 95 and 100 per cent marks in CBSE Class 12 Board Exams has increased exponentially. Due to this factor, the admission in places like Delhi University or DU, has become extremely tough. This is because DU admission is done on basis of Class 12 percentage and cut-off marks.

What does Cut-Off Mean?

The least of aggregate of total marks considered for admission to a specific college in a specific course is known as a cut-off mark.

Students can only calculate the aggregate and not ''cut-off'', which is a post-admission procedure the university gets to know.

For instance; a student can get 100 maximum aggregate in a mock test, or in Class 12 Board Exams, but the Delhi University college could only accommodate only 50 candidates. Thus, the college would invite first 50 students starting from 100. Once all the 50 seats for that institution are filled and the 50th candidates' aggregate is say, 92.8, then the cut off for that institution will be 92.8 for that year.

The Indian education system is in serious jeopardy. And, not just in CBSE Board Exams, but all Boards across the country are facing this trouble. For instance, in CBSE Class 12 results, more than 7 per cent of the students scored 90 per cent or above. This puts a question on credibility, reliability and validity of our education system.

Impact on Education

Although India has done well in eLearning with a huge demand for mock test and mock papers online. However, the tertiary education (besides IITs and DU), is in a bad-shape. Those scoring 70 percent are left without hope. These candidates either have to rely heavily on eLearning/online exam website, entrance exams, evening colleges or vocational classes.

The standardisation of exams has also led to lower quality of India's education system. Firstly, in the setting of mock testpapers and exam papers, the moderators dilute the paper to make it easy.

Secondly, there is dilution of marking scheme. This is done to make sure that very few students fail in exam. Thus, it leads to Inflation of marks.

Ray of Hope

Many academic experts believe that competition is nothing new. The sole difference between a 70 percenter and a 98 percenter is that the latter may enter Delhi University. But, the 70 percenter can pursue the same course from a different or private university.

Academicians cite the growing number of colleges and courses. For students who can't afford private colleges, there are new loan schemes. Also, eLearning with mock papers online has emerged as a whole eco-system with virtual classes, LMS, mock test series, etc.

A student who does well in Physics but not in Biology may not get into MBBS from a government college. However, he or she may join a course like nano-technology at a private university, and use eLearning system's help.