DU to propose ending Muslim student quota in joint course with Jamia

Launched in 2013, the programme represents a collaboration between DU and Jamia. Admissions to the programme, conducted through the Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate Programmes (CUET-PG), currently follow a seat distribution policy that includes specific reservations for Muslim candidates.

Of the total 30 seats, 12 are meant for the unreserved category, six for Other Backward Classes (non-creamy layer), four for Muslim general, three for Economically Weaker Sections, two for Scheduled Castes as well as one each for Scheduled Tribes, Muslim Other Backward Classes and Muslim women.

Pointing out that religious reservations are inconsistent with the university’s policies, a senior DU official told The Indian Express: “The whole idea is that there should be no reservation for any course in the university on the basis of religion.”

The official added, “It is a different case when it comes to having a quota for the underprivileged as part of caste reservation…”

Over the past few years, the admission process for the MSc programme has been fully computerised, with all students admitted through DU rather than Jamia. “Now, it is being discussed that since the students are being admitted at DU, naturally one must follow the reservation policy that is being followed at DU only,” said an official at the CIC.

“This is under discussion. Once the governing body makes a decision, we will put forth the proposal to the Vice-Chancellor for consideration,” the official added.

The MSc programme falls under the Meta University concept, which, according to its official website, “marks a paradigm shift in higher education in India”. The initiative aims to create synergy by pooling resources and expertise from multiple institutions. The CIC administratively manages the programme. Despite its inter-university nature, the CIC maintains that DU’s policies should prevail.

“This is the only degree in the country that bears the logo of two central universities… when a student finishes his/her postgraduation,” the official said.

“The course started in 2013. The committee constituted during the inception of the course had decided that 50% of the students would be admitted into DU and the other 50% to Jamia.”

While the original memorandum of understanding did not specify seat distribution, the committee overseeing the programme’s logistics devised the current allocation model at the time, the official added.