In Delhi University’s School of Open Learning, an increase is being witnessed in the number of applicants scoring over 90 per cent applying in undergraduate courses, primarily in Commerce courses.
For the academic year 2012-13, a total of 834 students scoring above 90 per cent in school board exams applied in SOL. Last year, the total number of above 90 per cent scorers was 692.
“Most of the high scorers apply for BCom and BCom (H),” said SOL executive director H C Pokhriyal.
“From this academic year, DU officials made it clear that students cannot study professional courses simultaneously with Commerce courses in regular colleges. It is seen that students applying in SOL in Commerce courses are preparing for full-time Chartered Accountancy (CA),” Pokhriyal added.
According to an official, many students interested in sports also apply in SOL. “Till school, students have to attend classes and then go for practice sessions. Now such students are taking up sports full time after taking admission here,” stated the official.
For students, the flexibility in studying and focusing on their interest, which they think can make them financially independent once they graduate, make them opt for distance learning.
“The course offered in regular or SOL is similar; it is just the pattern of teaching and taking classes that is different. I have taken up a part-time job in a telecom company, after which I go for civil services coaching,” said Ashish Mishra, a resident of Meerut, who scored 98 per cent in class 12.
Fee less
“Also, the fee for distance learning is less than regular college fee. A few months before the exams I will leave my job and start studying the college syllabus,” said Mishra.
Pokhriyal said the degree given after graduation is similar to that of a regular college degree.
“There is no difference in the degree given from here. The course, grades and the varsity’s name is provided just the way it is on a regular college degree,” he said.
A total of 96,189 students have been admitted in SOL for the 2012-2013 academic year. A majority of them are in the 50-60 per cent bracket. Admissions with late fee are still going on and will continue till September.