A+| A| A-
Degrading the Delight of Degree Education
The merit-based undergraduate admissions in the University of Delhi got mired in controversies in the name of region and ideology to the extent of terming it as “marks jihad.” After the first cut-off list of DU undergraduate admission 2021, many students with a perfect score of 100% got admitted, predominantly belonging to the Kerala board, thus provoking nepharious remarks of “marks jihad.” The bottom-line argument was that admission in DU, a central university, should be merit-based and accesible to all. The National Education Policy has to suggest ways to accommodate a larger number of students to ensure quality undergraduate education. As a national university, DU needs to facilitate distinctive plurality by adopting more inclusive admission policies and making its teaching–learning more global.
Philosopher, psychologist, and educational reformer John Dewey argued that “education is not a preparation for life, education is life itself.” More than a century ago, he understood education as a process of living and not merely preparation for future living (Dewey 1897). Amidst the admission season in the University of Delhi (DU), like every year, the idea of merit-based admission is under question again. However, in 2021, it has reached a new low of blame, and counter-blame and the admission process in a federal higher educational institution got converted into a culture of casting aspersions in the name of region and ideology.
Context of the Controversy
Dear Reader,
Or
To gain instant access to this article (download).
(Readers in India)
(Readers outside India)
