Only 1563 applications for DU journalism programme

New Delhi: The Delhi University (DU) has received only 1563
applications while 433 are still under process for its common entrance
test for Journalism that will be conducted for the first time this
year.

The reason being alleged for the low number of applications is the
introduction of the online application procedure as well as the
stringent eligibility criteria that has been put into place.

The college that will be responsible for conducting the test this year
is Maharaja Agrasen College which is one of the only two
co-educational colleges that offer BA (Hons.) in Journalism. The other
is Delhi College of Arts and Commerce.

The application procedure for the entrance test is completely online
but not all students are aware of this. Several students have been
visiting different colleges that offer the Journalism programme and
also calling the university's helpline to ask regarding the same.

A resident of Dehradun who came to the city especially for the
application form for Journalism said that she was confused as she had
been looking for the journalism application form but no college had
provided it to her.

Several students who are seeking to apply for the journalism programme
are also unaware that the minimum required percentage in class 12
board examinations is 70% along with 60% in English.

Mannu Yadav, a resident of Noida said that he had wished to apply for
the course but could not as he was told later that only people with
70% and above percentage could apply for the programme whereas he had
65%.

According to DU officials, the application procedure for the
journalism programme is very candidate-friendly and have not received
any complaints as of yet. Sangit Raagi, nodal officer for the joint
entrance test said that students were quite happy as they were getting
the opportunity to correct any mistakes that they might make in
filling the form.

The number of application for the course has been low this year
despite the fact that all five colleges under DU that offer a
Bachelor's programme in Journalism are participating in the entrance
test.

Officials who had earlier stated that they might receive 4000
applications for the programme are now stating that they are expecting
around 2500 applications.

The last date for submission of applications for the test is June 8.