CATE is a hit...
But it still has to go a long way as this year only 12 colleges have come under the umbrella.

By Jyotsna Singh & Shubhdarshani Mitra
“I thought English literature is about writing letters and poems.”
“I was under the impression that literature is name of a book.”
“Theories! What do they have to do with reading novels?”

These are some of the expressions one comes across while discussing the hot subject English literature with aspirants. English literature is one of the most sought-after courses in Indian universities among humanities. The big number of applications for this course and high cut-offs support this fact. But there is a lot of misunderstanding regarding the subject and the above-mentioned statements support this fact.

A lot of students join the course under misconceptions and end up spoiling their future. This also hampers quality of teaching and growth of the subject. It is to weed out these problems that DU has introduce Combined Aptitude Test for English. "I think CATE is a good idea as it will help to decide who should go for English and who shouldn't," opines Mehek from Delhi.

Prior to this, many colleges used to conduct their own entrances for English. Last year the dates for these entrances clashed, creating trouble for the students. Thus, a combined test this time. But only 12 colleges have joined this time. Elite colleges like St Stephens and LSR have kept themselves out in the race. “We mooted the idea as late as February. That did not convince many colleges of the way it would be conducted. Also, many of them did not even try to find out what was happening. Another reason was that some colleges feared interference by the University and creation of hierarchy among colleges. There was also unease that students will be imposed on them by the university. Now everybody knows that it is an objective and transparent process. We give choices to the students and autonomy to the colleges,” said Sumanyu Satpathy, head, English department, DU.

Already more than 4,000 applications have been received for CATE, which will be conducted on June 17, 2009. The popularity of the exam can be gauged by the fact that the University has been forced to increase the number of centres from four to seven to accommodate the exam takers. CATE will carry a weightage of 70 per cent, while the rest 30 per cent will be the marks of XII. It is on this basis that the cut-off lists will be determined by the colleges.

But all are not happy with the system. "It's causing a lot of confusion and problem for the students who want to apply for English (hons). Earlier fairing well in XII was enough. Now there is one more competition added to it and if someone is left behind by even 0.25 marks, one loses a chance to go to a good college," says Mrinalini, whose sister has applied for English (hons). However, there are those who benefited from the system. “I got 69 per cent in XII, which was less for English (hons) in a good college. But that time Gargi college had an entrance which I cleared. Thus, I got an opportunity to study English literature here,” says Kopal, a III year student at Gargi college.

The question that comes to mind is what is so special about English that an entrance is required. Why not for history, commerce and other subjects? “English studies is different from that of the other subjects. A large number of students are under the misconception that by doing English (hons) their communication skills will improve and they will get good jobs in certain industries. Even those who know a little about the subject do not understand it well. Appreciating just a novel or poetry does not prepare you for this subject. English is about cultural studies and is inter-disciplinary in nature. Thus, it is very important to check the aptitude of the student whom we are taking in the department,” explains Satpathy. 

Perhaps, taking a hint from the success of CATE, other departments will introduce similar testing mechanism to ensure the right material in classes.