220k aspirants, 24 cities: DU entrance exams begin today

NEW DELHI: Entrance tests to Delhi University’s undergraduate, postgraduate, Mphil and PHD courses will begin Sunday at exam centres in 24 cities for over 220,000 aspirants, who are in the race for 133 courses.

Usually conducted in July, the tests were delayed by nearly two months due to Covid-19 crisis and the subsequent lockdown imposed in the country in March. Since last year, the National Testing Agency (NTA) has been conducting these examinations for nine UG courses and all PG and Mphil/ PHD courses. NTA has issued detailed security protocols for the exams but aspirants and their parents are not convinced.

The entrance tests will be on till September 11.

Ashish Singh, a native of Bihar who will be appearing in two entrance tests, said while the premises might be sanitised, conveyance becomes tricky. His centre is in Noida.

“My test will begin at 8 am and we have to report at 6.30 am at the centre, limiting our travel options. Earlier phones and bags were allowed, but the admit card mentions we cannot carry personal belongings. I am not sure how to book a cab if phones are not allowed. Friends who have sick parents and cannot risk their safety, are choosing to opt out,” he said.

University officials said around 140,000 students had applied for the entrance to various postgraduate courses while around 70,000 students applied for the nine entrance-based undergraduate courses at DU. Around 14,000 have applied for Mphil and PHD courses.

Sreejith K, who is slated to write his PG entrance test on Sunday, said, “I came to Delhi a couple of days ago in a train where very few were wearing masks. I am worried about putting my family at risk, so I will quarantine myself for two weeks after I get home.” Mandatory quarantine has become a concern. Sreedharan Nair, whose daughter is aiming for a PG seat, said, “The centre in our state is 400km from our home and with a lack of conveyance options, it will be difficult to reach it.”