Indraprastha College for Women M.A Review By Sushobha Sanyal

I had done Masters in History from Delhi University. I was affiliated to Indraprastha College for Women, North Campus. Both the History Department of DU as well as the IP College for Women is one of the best places to go for higher academics. Almost everything is available to facilitate your academic research such as huge library, experienced and approachable teachers, reading resources and a vast and a beautiful campus to study in. Though I was affiliated to IP College, my classes happened in the History Department in the North Campus under the Faculty of Social Sciences. There are other subject departments as well under the Faculty of Social Science such as Political Science, East Asian Studies, Geography and many others.

So, to go for Masters in History, there are two options - one by Merit List and the other by Entrance Exam. I got the admission via the Merit List where my name came in the third list and I had taken the admission in IP College for Women. For Merit List, there are cut offs in marks for everyone in each list. Before only in the application, one has to submit the marks of the graduation so that the department can take out the list accordingly. As well for the entrance exam, the common history topics of the graduation come in the entrance. But do check the syllabus of MA History entrance online so that one can prepare better. Masters is the best option when it comes to professorship or academic research. It also helps in refining thought process for other jobs like journalism, advertising or government jobs.

The faculty of the History Department are too good. Every professor was supremely knowledgeable and highly experienced in their own specialization. The most fascinating part is the extent of research work all the professors had done in their own field. If any student needs guidance and an approach to higher studies, they are bound to get a thoughtful advice. One thing to keep in mind is that some professors are strict in terms of approachability and teaching as well as in marking. One should choose the courses under the MA History wisely based on the interest as well who is going to teach them. Marks are equally important as it is not so easy to fetch marks in Masters.

There are no placements from the History Department. However, there was a board at the entrance of the Faculty of Social Science which displayed different opportunities and internships. One can find more about such opportunities in one's own college to which one is affiliated with. For M. Phil and PhD, there are again entrances and no direct placement after Masters. For placement, there is main central placement cell of University of Delhi for which one can apply online. Over there quite a few companies come and recruit students.

Faculty of Social Science itself does not have a hostel. But one can get a hostel seat in the college to which one is affiliated in if that college has a hostel. Like if someone is from Hindu for MA History, one can apply for the Hostel seat there. The hostel seats are given by marks and ranking but it is better to check about the hostel eligibility from time to time. Otherwise, main hostel for boys and girls are there like Meghdoot Hostel for women or Post Graduate Hostel for men. Like these, there are other options as well. But it is better to check the availability and the eligibility criteria from the main DU administration office itself. Do not rely on a third person's opinion. Always go and check with the main authority itself.

If there was anything that really lacking was the infrastructural part. Though the faculty and academics was thorough and consistent, but there is a lot of improvement required in the infrastructure. From classes to tables and chairs, everything should be improved. Chairs are kept in an unorganized manner, the rooms are pretty dusty. These things should be worked upon as environment does matter when it comes to studies. Canteen was average as well. No good food as such. Rather we used to have food from outside like Chole Kulcha or Rajma Chawal.

Campus life was pretty good. There was a lot of exposure when I studied in the North Campus. Not only in terms of academic research and higher studies opportunities, there were a lot of people from diverse backgrounds to interact with from whom you can learn about new opportunities. Coaching for government exams is also available nearby the Delhi University area in the GTB Nagar. A lot of shops are there where you can easily find your own reading resource and printouts and photocopies are also cheap. Not to forget, the cafes in GTB Nagar near DU are excellent places to hangout with friends. Even outside food stalls were amazing as the food was both very tasty and was pocket-friendly.