Colleges in Delhi Return to Offline Learning Amid Pandemic

Over the previous month, several colleges in Delhi have decided to resume in-person learning as COVID-19 cases continue to drop nationwide. This progression started after the Tamil Nadu, Puducherry, and Delhi state governments allowed colleges to reopen gradually under safety guidelines. Buoyed by this initiative, the education ministries of Jammu & Kashmir, Odisha, and Assam have taken steps to resume offline classes. Nevertheless, this attitude only remains a possibility in locales with improving conditions. States such as Maharashtra and Kerala, struck hard by the resurgence of the pandemic, will likely continue with distance learning.

A primary factor continues to be the improving vaccination percentages and the upcoming fall admissions season. This transition remains rather controversial within the sphere of higher education. Countless students have taken to social media in previous months demanding the reopening of institutions such as IITs. However, there has been significant pushback, with several stating that the risks of in-person learning create inherent inequalities for immuno-compromised students.

Nevertheless, as the new semester approaches for Indian colleges, COVID-19 risks have steadily lessened for most of the country. Delhi University recently announced their intent to return offline lessons within their colleges, starting with their UG third-year students. This year, more than 4 lakh candidates have submitted applications for DU-affiliated institutions. Additionally, NIT Andhra Pradesh has decided to introduce offline MTech classes for the 2021-23 academic year. Furthermore, both JNU and JMI are also allegedly considering reopening their campuses under strict regulations. Several institutions have incorporated vaccination mandates into their admissions eligibility. For example, IIT Patna has opened registrations only for candidates with at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

Colleges in Delhi Reopening Update

Delhi University, a notable college within the state, recently announced intent to continue with its fall 2021 admissions process.  Over the previous 3 months, Delhi has remained a trailblazer for its return to offline classes. Hence, DU is currently halfway through this year’s selection procedures. Although admissions are currently taking place wholly online, due to pandemic constraints, university officials have stated their plan to resume offline learning, when necessary, shortly.