In an unprecedented move by the Ministry of Education, a separate entrance exam will be held starting this year, for admission to all central universities. Termed the “Central University Entrance test (CUET)” examination, it is a mandatory step for admission to undergraduate (UG) courses. As per officials, this is a step to mitigate the high cut-offs and differences in board exam evaluation. So that all students will get an equal playing field to compete for admission to central universities. While the step has been put into action, some colleges have doubts about reservations in minority institutions.
Two institutes, in particular, Jesus & Mary College and St. Stephen’s have written to the vice-chancellor of Delhi University. The letter seeks to request clarification in matters of the admission process. This development comes on a day when NTA is scheduled to begin the CUET 2022 registration process.
CUET 2022 Being Mandatory for UG Admission
As implied before, the CUET 2022 examination has been made mandatory for admission to central universities. So, instead of granting admission based on Class 12 board exams, entrance test scores shall be considered. With respect to the admission process, DU officials have clarified that admission to minority institutions will also be conducted through CUET.
During the counseling process, the university will release separate merit lists for unreserved and minority aspirants, in accordance with the colleges’ reservation policy. Although this has been clarified, some minority institutions require further clarity regarding reservation.
Both Institutions with 50% Reservation for Christian Community
Jesus & Mary College (JMC) and St. Stephen’s are two Christian minority colleges, coming under the ambit of Delhi University (DU). In both institutes, 50% seats have been reserved for Christian students. Both colleges would also issue separate cut-offs for general and Christian students. Interestingly, St. Stephen would also carry out interviews for admission. With the introduction of CUET 2022, this admission process is likely to undergo major revamp.
Clarity on Reservation for Minorities
The letter addressed to DU VC Yogesh Singh seeks to request for clarity on reservation policy, in the wake of CUET becoming mandatory. Reportedly, Singh has planned on responding to St. Stephen’s explaining that CUET scores must be used for filling-up general seats. However, for minority seats, the college can conduct interviews. So, for the final allotment, 85% weightage can be given to exam score and 15% to interview. However, Singh’s response to JMC is yet see the light of day.
Interestingly, the CUET 2022 registration process is all set to begin today, April 02. It will take place through the online mode, on the official website cuet.samarth.ac.in. Candidates will have time up to April 30, to fill and submit the online form.
