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Preference Sheet for DU: Smart Strategies to Secure Your Dream College After CUET

From CUET Scorecard to DU Seat: How to Fill Your Preference Sheet Smartly via CSAS Portal Clearing the CUET exam is only the first checkpoint in your Delhi University admission journey. The real game begins with your next big decision—filling out your Preference Sheet for DU on the CSAS Portal.

If you’re eyeing top-tier programs like B.A. (Hons.) Economics, then your success now depends less on your raw score and more on your strategy. This blog will help you: • Understand how the CSAS Portal works • Strategically fill your preference sheet • Identify the top college for Economics in DU • Avoid common mistakes that could cost you a seat Let’s dive in.

What is the CSAS Portal? The Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS) is the University of Delhi’s centralized platform for UG admissions via CUET. It enables students to: • Register post-result • Submit personal and academic details • Fill in a course-college preference sheet • Track seat allotments across multiple rounds In other words, the CSAS Portal is the only way you can secure a seat at DU in 2025.

Understanding the Preference Sheet for DU The Preference Sheet is the list where you rank your desired course + college combinations. For example: • B.A. (Hons.) Economics – St. Stephen’s College • B.A. (Hons.) Economics – Hindu College • B.A. (Hons.) Economics – Miranda House This ranking is crucial—because DU will offer you a seat based on your CUET score, merit rank, and the order in which you’ve listed your preferences. Once allotted, if your higher-ranked options are not available, you won’t be considered for them later. So, preference order is everything.

How to Fill the DU Preference Sheet: Step-by-Step

Start with a CUET Result Analysis Check how your subject-wise normalized scores align with the eligibility criteria for courses like Economics. Some DU colleges give more weight to domain subjects (like Economics + Math), while others require a strong language score too.

Know the Admission Trends Use last year’s data to compare: • Cut-off ranks • College-wise seat availability • Reservation category trends You can use platforms like CUETMOCK to simulate your expected rank and match your score to realistic options.

Create a Tiered Preference List Organize your preferences into three categories: Category Description Examples Aspirational Best colleges, highest cut-offs SRCC, St. Stephen’s, Hindu Realistic Strong colleges, medium cut-offs Hansraj, Miranda House, Kirori Mal Safe Good colleges with lower cut-offs Zakir Husain, Dyal Singh, ARSD College

Maximize the Number of Preferences The CSAS Portal allows unlimited entries. Take advantage of this to safeguard your chances across multiple rounds.

Always Double-Check Eligibility Each college-course combo has specific requirements (like Math for B.A. Economics). Not meeting these can invalidate your preference—even if your score is high.

Top College for Economics in DU (2025 Edition) If you're pursuing B.A. (Hons.) Economics, here's a curated list of the top colleges: St. Stephen’s College • Often ranked as the top college for Economics in DU • Strong quantitative foundation and academic legacy • Offers great placements and international academic pathways Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) • While famous for B.Com (Hons.), its Economics program is equally elite • Focus on policy, business, econometrics, and global economics Hindu College • Known for its vibrant academic atmosphere • One of DU’s oldest and most consistent colleges for Economics Honourable Mentions: • Hansraj College • Miranda House (Girls) • Lady Shri Ram College (Girls) • Ramjas College Tip: Economics at DU is a high-cutoff course. Even a few decimal points in your CUET score can determine which of these colleges you get into.

How DU Seat Allotment Works on CSAS Portal Once your preference sheet is submitted: • The system generates a merit list based on your CUET scores • You’re allotted a seat based on your rank and preference order • In each round, you can: o Accept your seat o Freeze it o Upgrade to a higher option • Missing the deadline can forfeit your seat, so stay alert

Final Word: Strategy Beats Score In today’s DU admission system, your preference sheet is just as powerful as your CUET score. The CSAS portal levels the playing field—but only for those who plan smartly. Whether your dream is to study Economics at St. Stephen’s, Commerce at SRCC, or simply secure the best-fit DU seat, the process is no longer about just getting good marks. It’s about strategy, sequencing, and self-awareness. So, analyze. Prioritize. Strategize. Your ideal college seat is waiting—you just have to list it right.

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IMF to Begin Talks on Pakistan's Request for Climate Resilience Loan

A technical mission from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will initiate discussions on Monday regarding Pakistan’s request for a loan aimed at enhancing climate resilience, according to a media report.

This mission will be followed by a policy review early next week to assess Pakistan’s performance under the current $7 billion Extended Fund Facility (EFF), the news outlet Dawn reported.

Pakistan has sought $1 billion in financial assistance to address the devastating effects of climate change. The IMF’s technical team will engage with key government ministries, including planning, finance, climate change, petroleum, water resources, the Federal Board of Revenue, disaster management agencies, and provincial governments.

The IMF's resident representative in Islamabad, Mahir Binici, confirmed the engagements, stating that the discussions will span over the next three weeks. He added that an IMF staff team will visit Pakistan in early to mid-March to discuss the first review under the EFF-supported program and Pakistan’s request for support through the Resilience and Sustainability Facility (RSF).

Official sources mentioned that relevant authorities, particularly the ministries of planning and finance, had prepared documentation for the Climate-Related Public Investment Management Assessment (C-PIMA) for the upcoming budgets, in line with IMF and World Bank policy advice.

The first biannual review of the 39-month EFF has also been discussed, with sources stating that Pakistan has met all but one of its structural benchmarks so far. However, several indicative targets have been missed due to fluctuating domestic and international macroeconomic conditions. The only outstanding benchmark pertains to the required amendments to the Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF), which was due by the end of December. However, other sub-conditions related to governance structures and financial safeguards have already been met.

Funding under the RSF is provided to countries that commit to significant reforms aimed at building resilience against climate catastrophes. The loan is repayable over 30 years, with a 10-year grace period, and typically carries more favorable terms than the EFF.

In October 2024, Pakistan formally requested the IMF to supplement its existing $7 billion EFF with an additional $1.2 billion under the RSF. The IMF has advised Pakistan to allocate 1 percent of its GDP annually (approximately Rs 1.24 trillion based on current estimates) toward climate resilience and adaptation reforms. This is in response to the country’s vulnerability to increasingly severe weather events, such as floods, and the need for sustained economic growth to combat rising inequalities.

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CBSE to Introduce Two-Tier Science and Social Science Exams for Class 9 in 2026, with Board Exam in 2028

In a significant move, the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) has announced that starting in 2026, Class 9 students will have the option to take science and social science subjects at two difficulty levels: standard and advanced. This decision, approved by CBSE's Governing Body, aligns with the guidelines outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages offering subjects and assessments at varying levels of difficulty.

This new approach will begin in the 2026 academic year for Class 9 students, and it will be reflected in the Class 10 Board examinations, scheduled for 2028. Sources familiar with the matter suggest that the Class 10 Board exam could either feature a single question paper with an additional set of questions for the advanced level, or have entirely separate papers for the two difficulty levels.

This shift is part of CBSE's ongoing efforts to provide students with a more tailored learning experience, allowing them to choose the level of difficulty that best suits their aptitude. The move is seen as a way to accommodate diverse learning needs and ensure that students are not limited by a one-size-fits-all approach to exams.

The decision to introduce two-tier exams for science and social science subjects is a part of CBSE's broader strategy to modernize the curriculum and assessments, in line with the NEP 2020. The policy stresses the importance of providing students with greater flexibility in choosing subjects and assessments that match their individual strengths and interests.

Under this new system, students in Class 9 will be able to opt for the standard level, which covers the basic concepts of science and social science, or the advanced level, which dives deeper into complex topics and prepares students for higher academic pursuits. The idea is to make learning more inclusive, offering a clearer path for those who wish to challenge themselves while still providing foundational knowledge for those who need more support.

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New Syrian Government’s School Curriculum Changes Spark Concerns

There is growing concern in Syria over changes to the school curriculum introduced by the country’s new Islamist-led authorities, with many fearing these modifications were made without the involvement of broader society.

The transitional government’s Ministry of Education recently shared the updated curriculum on its official Facebook page. It shows a shift toward a more Islamic-focused education and the complete removal of references to the Assad era across all subjects. For instance, the phrase “Defending the nation” has been replaced with “Defending Allah,” and other changes include the removal of topics like Evolution and the Big Bang theory from science courses.

In addition to these alterations, references to pre-Islamic gods and their statues have been removed, and the significance of Queen Zenobia, a prominent Syrian figure from the Roman era, has been downplayed. The curriculum also omits poems and content that celebrated Bashar al-Assad and his father Hafez, which were included in Arabic language courses under the previous regime.

Education Minister Nazir al-Qadri has attempted to downplay the significance of these changes, asserting that the curriculum remains essentially unchanged. He explained that no final decisions have been made until specialized committees are formed to review and revise it. Al-Qadri emphasized that the updates were primarily focused on removing content that he described as glorifying the “defunct Assad regime” and replacing it with the Syrian revolutionary flag in textbooks. Additionally, he stated that “inaccuracies” in the Islamic education curriculum had been addressed.

While some Syrians have welcomed the changes, the move has triggered alarm among civil society activists, many of whom have recently returned to Syria after years of exile. They fear the unilateral changes signal that their voices—and those of various communities—may be overlooked in Syria’s new political landscape.

As the new school term approaches, activists are calling for protests to express their opposition to any government decisions made without broad societal participation. These protests aim to assert the importance of inclusion and freedom in shaping the country’s future, especially when it comes to significant areas like education.

Despite promises from the transitional government to hold a National Dialogue Conference, where various communities, including Christians, Kurds, and intellectuals, would have their voices heard, many activists feel that the lack of consultation on the curriculum changes undermines the government's commitment to inclusivity and dialogue.

The growing tensions highlight the challenges Syria faces in its transition, as citizens wrestle with questions of freedom, identity, and the future direction of the country. The outcome of these debates will play a significant role in shaping the new Syria post-Assad.

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The Maths Queen on a Quantum Mission to Mentor Girls

Dr. Angela Tabiri, known as the Maths Queen in Ghana, is a pioneering figure in the world of mathematics. As the first African to win the prestigious Big Internet Math Off competition, she has made an impressive mark in the mathematical world—especially considering she had never initially intended to pursue math.

At 35 years old, the Ghanaian mathematician finds joy in solving puzzles and mathematical problems, with a particular passion for quantum or non-commutative algebra. In 2024, she triumphed in a global competition designed to identify the "world’s most interesting mathematician." The event, which began in 2018, invites mathematicians to compete by explaining their chosen mathematical concepts in the most illuminating way. Dr. Tabiri's win is not just a personal victory; she hopes it will inspire other African women, who have traditionally been discouraged from pursuing mathematics, to enter the field.

Dr. Tabiri is currently a researcher at the Ghana branch of the African Institute for Mathematical Sciences (AIMS), an institution that began in South Africa and expanded across the continent to offer postgraduate training and research in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). She is also the academic manager of the Girls in Mathematical Sciences Programme at AIMS Ghana, a program launched in 2020 to inspire high school girls to pursue careers in research and innovation within mathematics and related fields.

Despite the program's success, Dr. Tabiri notes that the gender gap in math is still pronounced—while the numbers of boys and girls studying math at the high school level are roughly equal, the number of female students pursuing math at the university level drops significantly. This trend stems from the misconception that math only leads to teaching careers, as well as the lack of female role models. Dr. Tabiri is determined to change this narrative and empower young girls to see themselves as leaders in mathematical sciences.

Dr. Tabiri’s journey into mathematics wasn’t a conventional one. Raised in Ashaiman, a densely populated and economically disadvantaged area of Tema, Ghana, she was one of six siblings in a lively household. While her family was loving, she sought quiet spaces to study, often retreating to the local community centre. Initially, she aimed to follow in the footsteps of her sisters and study business administration. However, her grades were not high enough for that path, and instead, she found herself accepted into a mathematics and economics program—a decision she now describes as "a blessing in disguise."

Her academic journey took a significant turn in 2015 when she received a scholarship to pursue a PhD at the University of Glasgow, Scotland. It was here that she experienced a pivotal moment while watching the film Hidden Figures—the story of the African American women mathematicians at NASA during the 1950s and 60s. Seeing the groundbreaking work of Katherine Johnson and her colleagues made Dr. Tabiri realize that her own work could also have lasting impact, even if it wasn’t immediately recognized. This film became a turning point in her life, reinforcing her belief that persistence is key.

In 2024, Ghana achieved an important milestone with Dr. Gloria Botchway becoming the first woman to graduate with a PhD in mathematics from the University of Ghana. Dr. Tabiri is dedicated to supporting other African girls and women from underprivileged backgrounds to follow their mathematical dreams through her non-profit organization, FemAfricMaths. The organization provides lessons to high school students in person and online, and Dr. Tabiri frequently shares interviews with leading female mathematicians on social media to inspire the next generation.

Alongside her work in mentorship, Dr. Tabiri is passionate about the future of quantum science and technology. Mathematics plays a fundamental role in the development of quantum technologies, and Dr. Tabiri is especially proud of Ghana’s role in advocating for 2025 to be declared the UN International Year of Quantum Science and Technology, marking the 100th anniversary of the discovery of modern quantum mechanics. The potential for quantum technologies, from quantum computers to ultra-precise measuring devices, holds promise for solving complex problems across fields like medicine, environmental science, food production, and cybersecurity.

Dr. Tabiri emphasizes the importance of positioning Africa’s youth to take advantage of these emerging technologies. With Africa’s population rapidly growing and expected to be the world’s largest workforce by 2040, she believes it is crucial to introduce quantum science to young people at an early age. To this end, she plans to organize a “quantum roadshow” to expose schoolchildren to quantum science concepts. She is also preparing for a “Quantum Hackathon” in July 2025 in partnership with UNESCO, where postgraduate students from across Africa will work to solve real-world challenges using quantum technologies.

For Dr. Tabiri, the future is clear: empowering young girls and boys, especially in Africa, with the mathematical and quantum skills they need is not just an opportunity, but a necessity for driving the continent’s growth and innovation in the 21st century. She is dedicated to making sure the next generation is prepared for the quantum revolution and beyond.

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Glasgow adds 6,000 student rooms over 10 years

Glasgow has experienced significant growth in student accommodation over the past decade, with nearly 6,000 purpose-built student rooms completed since 2015. This includes 20 student blocks, mainly located in the city centre. Despite this progress, the city is struggling to meet the rising demand for housing, as the student population has grown by over 20,000 in the last 10 years.

In response to this, Glasgow City Council approved plans last year for more than 3,200 additional student beds. However, housing challenges are exacerbated by rising rents, with the council declaring a housing emergency in 2023. Additionally, the student housing shortage is still a concern, with reports suggesting more than 6,000 students are at risk of homelessness due to inadequate accommodation.

Several large-scale developments are under construction, including a 36-storey student flat block, which will become Glasgow's second-tallest building. While some residents have expressed concerns about the high number of student flats being built, others see the developments as bringing economic benefits to the city centre, attracting young people and boosting commerce. However, experts warn that the city must diversify its housing mix and ensure future adaptability for families, as relying solely on student housing may not be sustainable in the long term.

In addition to the growth in student accommodation, Glasgow is facing broader challenges related to its housing crisis. The demand for housing has outstripped supply in recent years, leading to skyrocketing rents in the city. This trend has been particularly noticeable in the city centre, where much of the new student accommodation has been developed. In response to this housing emergency, Glasgow City Council took steps in 2023 to address the issue by reaching out to owners of over 2,500 vacant properties, urging them to bring these homes back into use.

The rise in student numbers across Glasgow's universities has further intensified the strain on housing. The University of Glasgow has seen its student population increase by more than 12,000 since 2015, while Strathclyde University and Glasgow Caledonian University have also expanded significantly. The rapid growth in student enrolments, combined with the shortage of housing, has led to the disturbing prediction that thousands of students could face homelessness if the accommodation shortage is not addressed.

Some recent planning approvals, such as a 26-storey student housing block in Anderston and the 36-storey building near Charing Cross, are part of efforts to tackle this shortfall. These developments are intended to provide much-needed student housing and alleviate pressure on the rental market, which is heavily impacted by students competing for available properties. The building near Charing Cross, in particular, will house 784 students and is expected to become a landmark in the city, contributing to the growing student population.

However, the explosion of purpose-built student accommodation has drawn criticism from some residents and local groups, who argue that the city centre is becoming saturated with student flats. A 19-storey student housing development, approved in November 2024, faced 60 objections from neighbors who argued that the area was already overloaded with student housing and that the new development was excessive.

Despite these concerns, Prof. James White, a planning and urban design expert at Glasgow University, believes that the new developments will bring positive changes to the city centre. He argues that many of the developments are located on the periphery of the city centre, in areas where the residential population is low. By attracting young people, these student flats can help energize local businesses and bring vibrancy to underdeveloped parts of the city.