SOL best option for those looking to earn & learn

NEW DELHI: For students who do not opt for the regular graduation course, the School of Open Learning (SOL), University of Delhi, has just the right choice on offer. From a total of five undergraduate courses, three are honours courses in English, political science and commerce, while the other two are degree in BA programme and BCom.
"The eligibility criteria for applying to the courses at SOL are relaxed compared to the high cut-off percentages required for admission to the conventional courses offered at DU colleges," says Dr Pokhriyal, executive director, SOL.
To pursue BA programme or BCom courses at SOL, one needs to have passed the senior secondary class XII examination clearing all five subjects, including one language. For admission to English (hons), an aggregate of 50% is required. Candidates scoring 70% in English (core) or 60% in English (elective) in class XII can get direct admission. For others, an entrance test is conducted. The first entrance for English (hons) is to be held on September 21.
Direct admission to political science (hons) can be sought by a candidate who has secured an aggregate of 60% (excluding PolSc.) or 45% (including PolSc.) in class XII. Students having more than 45% but less than 60%, and not having political science as one of their board subjects, could take the entrance on October 22. The last date for submitting the application forms to all courses is August 27. The application form is also available on SOL's website (sol.du.ac.in).
"We are expecting more than 90,000 students in the undergraduate courses this year. SOL already has a total of over 2.6 lakh students enrolled," added Pokhriyal.
Several reasons bring students to distance education. Students keen on studying more than one course to get an added advantage at the end of three years take up distance education. There are many who need time for self study if they plan to sit for competitive exams.
According to Dr Gurpreet Singh Tuteja, deputy dean students' welfare, "A BCom degree coupled with a degree in CA gives a good advantage today. Some students even go in for journalism courses while studying English from SOL. It definitely increases the scope of employment opportunities in the future".
For many others, distance learning gives an opportunity to earn at a young age, since at any other college they would be required to have a minimum attendance. Finally there are those who pursue learning through correspondence due to the sky-high cut-offs at regular colleges which does not help them get a seat.
Students enrolled at SOL study the same syllabi, take the same examination and are awarded the same degree by the university. Says Dr Pokhriyal, "The study material is well designed and apart from that we have personal contact programme where students interact with faculty members over a period of 30 days every year. In fact, last year, it was one of our girls who topped in BA pass course in the entire university." Deepti Vats, the BA pass gold medalist last year says, "It was a blessing in disguise. I did my bachelor's degree and studied for MCA entrance alongside and now I'm pursuing my MCA course".
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