DU CSAS Process lacks transparency; Declare cut-off normalized Score percentages: Demands EC Member

Under the previous system, Delhi University would declare college-course cut-offs, providing students with a clear idea of the percentage required for admission. However, with the introduction of the CSAS, transparency has become a major concern

A member of the Delhi University executive council has questioned the DU Admission process and termed it as a system affecting the transparency of the university admission system. DU has replaced the cut-off system with Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS).

Rajpal Singh Pawar, a member of the executive council of the University of Delhi has written a letter to the Vice-chancellor, Prof Yogesh Singh. According to Pawar, the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS), is a big hype, which is tarnishing the Delhi University UG Admission Process.

Delhi University (DU), which is one of India's most prestigious educational institutions, attracts students from all over the country. According to the letter, the recent implementation of the CSAS has sparked concerns among students and stakeholders alike. This new system is affecting the Delhi University UG admission process and its implications on transparency, student insecurity, and the shift towards private institutions. He has made several observations regarding the CSAS system.

The EC member has demanded that the DU administration must take proactive steps to address the concerns surrounding the new system. This could include regular updates, open forums for discussion, and increased transparency in the seat allocation process.

He has alleged that the implementation of the Common Seat Allocation System in the Delhi University UG admission process has raised valid concerns regarding transparency, student insecurity, and the shift towards private institutions. The DU administration needs to prioritize the restoration of transparency and address the issues that have emerged from this new system.

“By declaring cut-off normalized Score based percentages or releasing comprehensive candidate lists for each allotment, the university can restore student trust, alleviate insecurities, and preserve its longstanding reputation for fairness and academic excellence,” writes Pawar in his letter to DU VC.

Lack of Transparency

Under the previous system, Delhi University would declare college-course cut-offs, providing students with a clear idea of the percentage required for admission. However, with the introduction of the Common Seat Allocation System, transparency has become a major concern.

The direct allotment process raises questions about how seats are allocated and the criteria used for selection. Students are left in the dark, uncertain about the basis on which they are being considered for admission. This lack of transparency erodes the faith and trust that students previously had in the admission process.

The University has not even declared last year’s normalized score on which admissions were done in different college-course combinations.

Student Insecurity and Shift Towards Private Institutions

The absence of clear cut-off normalized score-based percentages or candidate lists for each allotment has left many students feeling insecure about their chances of admission. The simulated rank process, which attempts to determine allotments based on many applicants and categories, often fails to provide an accurate picture.

As a result, many students are opting for private institutions instead, as they offer a more predictable and transparent admission process. This shift can have detrimental effects on the overall reputation and quality of education at DU.

Need for Clear Guidelines and Communication

Pawar has stated that to address the concerns arising from the Common Seat Allocation System, the Delhi University administration and particularly Admission Branch must provide clear guidelines and effective communication to students. Declaring cut-off normalized Score based percentages or releasing a comprehensive merit list of candidates for each allotment would help to instil confidence in the admission process. Clear communication about the selection criteria, process, and timeline would alleviate student anxiety and facilitate better decision-making.