Mumbai: Students who have completed Class 12 board examinations are informed about cut-off marks expected to rise this year. Students have already begun applying online for admissions to degree courses in colleges affiliated to the Mumbai University (MU). MU authorities claimed students can apply for admissions to courses of their choice, but they need to be aware that cut-off marks may rise in well-known colleges. A senior officer of MU said, “Large number of students have scored high marks in both state and private board examinations this year. Also, many students have secured above 90 per cent so seeking admissions is going to be tough in reputed degree colleges.”
In addition, authorities of degree colleges revealed cut-off marks for self-financed courses will rise as there is increasing demands. Marie Fernandes, principal, St Andrew's College, Bandra, said, “Students are more keen on studying professional courses like Management or Media rather than the usual Commerce or Arts. The cut-off marks for these courses are going higher every year with increasing demand, limited seats and high scores secured by students.” Students claim they want to seek admissions in well-known colleges in the first two merit rounds itself. Sheeba Zafar, a student, said, “Seats in all good colleges are filled by the end of first two merit rounds. Hope we will secure seats by then so that we do not have to adjust and face a tough time running around for admissions.” Also, students of private boards claim their marks are higher than the state board students. Abitya Vishwanathan, a ICSE student, said, “Our marking pattern is different than the state board. It is easier for us to score high marks as we have a lot of internal tests. Admissions to degree courses are always tough as cut-off marks increase every year.”
- Ronald Rodrigues
