CUET UG Toppers’ Tips: ‘How I got admission at Delhi University’s St Stephen’s College’

Why did I choose to study English?

Initially, I wasn’t sure about choosing English but I really believed that we are made up of stories. I wanted to study something related to history and civilisation and how society has evolved and everything but differently from how it is taught in History or Sociology. BA English is not just about language or literature but about the evolution of society, history, politics and so much more.

So, while choosing the course for myself, I went through the syllabus provided by Delhi University on the website and what it will offer. And, I am really glad I chose it.

The four-year undergraduate programme focuses more on a multidisciplinary framework. So, if you’re studying English as your core subject, you could also study History, Political Science, Philosophy, Economics or any subject (depending upon what your college offers) as a minor.

How did I prepare for CUET?

I went through the prescribed books, i.e., the NCERT very thoroughly. I read carefully through every topic and paid attention to detail. I did not refer to any guide/ reference books but gave a lot of mock tests.

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The mock tests were available at the NTA website, some other platforms such as learncbse.in and some big coaching platforms such as BYJUs and Edumentor also provided free mock tests. Mock tests help gain confidence, manage time and improve performance.

My CUET experience

It may not have been the best experience for everybody and some people might have felt that it is an additional burden considering you have to prepare for another exam after boards. But, for me, it worked in my favour so I will be a little biased towards the CUET.

What do I like about CUET?

Our society is such that people feel only students who are weak in studies take up Arts or Humanities. CUET has integrated Humanities into the mainstream and will help in changing the perception of people.

The second thing I like about CUET is its objectivity in general. Unlike earlier times, students can’t scroll through the pages and get done with it. They have to study the topics very carefully, read and understand what they are studying. The MCQ format helps the students to focus on details.

What would I change about CUET?

The anonymity around it. We were the first batch that appeared for the CUET and were completely clueless about things. And, apart from that the infrastructure is bad as systems were malfunctioning, there were irregularities at centres, students were given far-off centres and more. The situation hasn’t improved much this year as well.

My advice for fellow students

Be confident, dedicated, and don’t study as per the clock or by counting the hours. Set some goals based on the syllabus and do not take the board exams lightly. After CUET has come into existence, many students feel that the board exams have lost their relevance but I don’t feel it’s right. If you prepare well for your board exams it will eventually help you in CUET and it also boosts your confidence. And, one most important thing, enjoy the process as once you’re busy with college, everything will be different.