A 'palette' for art

The College of Art, Delhi University, is gearing up for its admission season. ���Every year, our applications exceed the actual number of students who finally sit for the entrance examinations,��� says Vijay Mohan, principal, College of Art. ���To give an example, we have approximately 1,500 to 1,600 applications every year while around 1,200 candidates actually undertake the entrance test. This translates to stiff competition as our intake capacity is only 135 seats. These seats are divided among three specialisation areas that include applied arts, painting and sculpture. We have 80 seats for applied arts, 40 seats for painting and 15 seats for sculpture,��� elaborates Mohan. He states that in addition to these 135 seats there are five seats for foreign nationals and three seats for candidates with hearing and speech impairment.
Talking about the eligibility criterion, Mohan says, ���Students from any stream who have secured at least 50% in class XII are eligible to apply for the course. Candidates then undergo an aptitude test, which comprises two practical papers and one theory paper.��� He informs that the two practical papers constitute 60 marks each and the theory paper carries 30 marks. ���It is mandatory for candidates to score at least 50%, ie, 75 marks,��� explains Mohan. ���We accord a weightage of 100 marks to the aggregate percentage acquired in class XII. For instance, a student who has 50% gets 50 marks (out of 100), a student who has 75% gets 75 marks and so on.
This is added to the qualifying score (minimum 75 marks) of the aptitude test. And based on the highest scores the seats are allotted,��� explains Mohan.
According to Mohan, the first practical paper is on ���object drawing��� that candidates have to take irrespective of their preferred specialisation, as stated in the admission form. The second practical paper gauges aptitude that is specialisation specific.
For instance, candidates who want to go for painting are required to paint themes, candidates who want to pursue applied arts are given a concept which they are required to illustrate (visually) and candidates who want to pursue sculpture are required to model clay objects. The theory paper assesses general knowledge, observation powers and social
awareness.
Mohan points out that one trend that has impacted art as a whole in recent years is the influx of software and technology. For instance, he says, ���today artists have the flexibility to use a software application and experiment with colours before making their creations.���
Classes for the 2009-2010 first year batch will commence from July 16.
Interested candidates can procure the prospectus and admission form directly from the college office or download it from the college website, though there is no provision for online submission. Application forms need to be submitted to the admission cell of the college. The application dates vary from June 10 to June 30.
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