Zero cut-off for SC/ST applicants to Maths PhD; DU stirs up hornet's nest

The cut-off marks for the entrance examination for PhD admissions set by the Mathematics Department of Delhi University has led to widespread criticism on social media, with the cut-off for SC/ST students being fixed at zero.

The varsity also has released a notification about the interview schedule for PhD admissions to the Mathematics Department, with 223 applicants having been invited for interviews between July 31 and August 4.

Reacting to the zero cut-off set for SC/ST applicants, several social media users vented their anger. Many pointed out that the cut-off for unreserved category students was 94 marks out of 200, while for OBC students, it was 84. "Those who have scored zero will do PhD and teach you! Seriously? A Zero?" asked a Facebook user Amit Raj. "Manufacturing fools?" read another comment.

The head of the Maths Department said there were "no minimum marks for SC, ST students".

He also stated: "We have to call everyone for the interview. Final selection will be based on the performance in the interview," adding that mistakes, if any, in the eligibility criteria will be corrected.

Among the 223 candidates shortlisted by the varsity, who have been selected for the interview rounds, nearly 32 candidates will be competing for seats in SC/ST categories.