The CUET UG 2024 results have highlighted notable differences in performance across subjects, with Business Studies emerging as the subject with the highest number of perfect scores. Out of over 22,000 students who achieved full marks in 45 subjects, Business Studies led with 8,024 perfect scorers, while English saw a more modest 1,683 students securing perfect scores. This contrasts sharply with last year’s results, where English had the highest number of perfect scorers with 5,685 students.
Reasons for the High Number of Perfect Scores in Business Studies:
- Objective Nature of the Subject:
- Syllabus and Exam Format: Business Studies is often described as having a well-defined syllabus with clear, objective questions. Harish Kumar, faculty at Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Delhi University, notes that the binary nature of many questions—where answers are either ‘true’ or ‘false’—contributes to the high number of perfect scores. This format contrasts with more subjective subjects like English, where answers may require interpretation and analysis.
- Preparation Resources: The availability of extensive study materials and resources for Business Studies, including online platforms and coaching materials, also plays a role in the high scores. Kumar points out that the alignment of the CUET Business Studies syllabus with the CBSE board syllabus gives students a significant advantage.
- Complexity of English:
- Subjective Evaluation: English, in contrast, involves more subjective evaluation, including literary analysis and interpretation of texts. Bhupendra Bahadur Tiwari, professor and director at CMR University, Bengaluru, suggests that the complexity of comprehension passages and nuanced literary analysis in this year’s English paper may have contributed to the lower number of perfect scores.
- Increased Difficulty: Amitendra Kumar from Career Launcher highlights that this year’s English paper required students to read and analyze more passages compared to previous years, making it more challenging.
- Impact on Admissions:
- Role in Admission Process: Despite the high number of perfect scores in Business Studies, it remains just one of many subjects considered for admissions to programs like BCom (Hons) at Delhi University. Haneet Gandhi, dean (Admissions) at DU, explains that admissions are based on the best of four subjects, which may include a language, Mathematics/Accountancy, and two other subjects. Therefore, a perfect score in Business Studies alone does not guarantee admission, as it is just one factor among many.
- Perceptions and Challenges:
- Accessibility and Equity: The disparity in scores between Business Studies and English raises questions about the accessibility and fairness of the CUET UG exam. While Business Studies students benefit from a straightforward and well-supported curriculum, students of English face challenges related to the subjective nature of the subject and varying levels of interpretation.
- Future Implications:
- Evaluation of Exam Design: The differences in performance across subjects highlight the need to evaluate and potentially adjust the design of the CUET UG exam to ensure it accurately assesses students’ abilities across a diverse range of subjects. Ensuring a balanced and fair assessment method could help address disparities and provide a more equitable platform for all students.
In summary, while Business Studies has seen a significant number of perfect scores due to its objective nature and extensive resources, English has posed more challenges for students due to its subjective evaluation and increased difficulty. These disparities underscore the need for continued examination and adjustment of the CUET UG exam to better reflect students’ abilities across various subjects.
