Students who passed out class XII this year are finding themselves stranded when it comes to higher education, as many have no idea as to when the new sessions will begin.
A majority of English-medium school students aspire to seek admission in some of the top universities of the country, and many aim to appear for competitive examinations, all of which has been stagnated by the coronavirus induced pandemic.
Sheeba Grace, a bioscience student from Sacred Heart Convent School wanted to apply for the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), but as the dates are yet to be announced, she has no clue as to what she should do.
“As a bioscience student, I wanted to go into the medical field, but we have no idea as to when and how the competitive exams will be conducted. Now it is up to my parents to decide what route we should take,” said Sheeba.
Ayati Mishra, a student of Hill Top School is spending her days watching YouTube lectures on economics and indulging in her singing hobby.
Ayati has applied for a number of colleges in the University of Delhi, including Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Shri Ram College of Commerce, Hindu College, Miranda House, and Kirori Mal College.
She has also applied to Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics in Pune and has also appeared for an online test.
“My preference will be the University of Delhi but I have also applied elsewhere. Classes should have started already, but Covid is delaying the process. DU has been extending the dates for admissions application, which is now slated for August 31,” said Ayati, adding that previously the last date was July 31.
Students say that universities like the University of Delhi have not even announced their cut off marks.
ISC students expect that the cut-off marks for admission are expected to be lower as the evaluation process this year has been tough, with students procuring relatively lesser marks in English, the main paper.
Even if the colleges successfully organize admissions, classes will be held online.
This year, XLRI’s Jamshedpur and Jhajjar campuses have also decided to start online classes.
Shravya Singh from Loreto Convent, Ranchi wanted to apply for the Media and Communications course in Fergusson College, Pune but didn’t find herself on the merit list, following which she sought admission in Visual Media and Film Making at St. Joseph’s College in Bengaluru.
“Delhi is yet to announce its cut off but Pune colleges already have. This year many students were confused regarding admission. I personally browsed many websites, which was tedious as many college websites declared that admissions were over,” she said.
