B.El.Ed gaining popularity among female applicants in DU

f numbers could speak, they would say that only women want to become teachers, or at least in Delhi University they do.

Last year, the University received the most number of applications from female students for its Bachelor of Education (B.Ed) course.

However, the recently introduced four-year Bachelor of Elementary Education (B.El.Ed) programme, which is an integrated course in elementary education, eliminates the need to pursue a B.Ed.

"The course is only open for women candidates and offered at eight DU colleges: Aditi Mahavidayala, Institute of Home Economics, Gargi College, Shyama Prasad Mukherji College, Lady Shri Ram College, Jesus and Mary College, Miranda House and Mata Sundri College," said Tripti Bassi, DU's teacher-in-charge and Convenor of B.El.Ed admissions.

However, Namita Ranganathan, a professor at DU's Department of Education, says: "The trend has been changing. There are also a lot of male candidates enrolling in the teacher's education programme now."

She attributes the trend to fewer government jobs.

"Teaching is one of the most respectable government jobs," said Ranganathan.

"The course is available in both Hindi and English medium and online registrations have been extended till June 25. There are 400 seats in total," she added.

Students are admitted mainly through an entrance test, while 10 per cent weightage is given to Class XII marks.

The fee for the entrance test is Rs 500 for General category students, and Rs 250 for students in the reserved categories.

The entrance test will have 100 objective type questions.