Delhi University admissions are in full swing and for many aspirants, extra curricular activities such as theatre, dance and music are a major factor in deciding which college they apply to. Certain college societies are even known for their legacy of catapulting people to fame.

For Pew Banerjee, a theatre aspirant, choosing Kirori Mal College (KMC) was necessary to have any future in theatre. “Theatre groups and companies hunt for students in certain societies and KMC is one of them”. Boasting of alumni like Bollywood actor Vijay Raaz, KMC’s theatre society — The Players — is highly sought after.

S. Karthiik Srinivasan, an Extra Curricular Activities (ECA) student in Hansraj College, said that the music society of the college was the main reason he decided to come here. “As a percussionist, I knew I had to choose a college that had a good music society and Hansraj was at the top of my list”.

While theatre enthusiasts flock to KMC, acappella performers often apply to Lady Shri Ram College.

Every year, unofficial lists of Delhi University societies are put up on blogs and websites that cover the university space, which help students make their choices.

ECA quota

To encourage participation in ECA, Delhi University reserves seats for students who have excelled in various fields during their time in school. For admission through the ECA quota, students have to appear for trials that carry 75 marks, another 25 marks are based on certificates.

Many students who come through the ECA quota have their hearts set on pursuing a career in the performing arts. Applying to Delhi University ensures that they do not have to give up their goals while also allowing them to pursue an academic course, which acts as a safety net. For Mahima Rawat, a zoology student at Gargi College, a career in dance is her dream. “DU gives a huge platform through fests and tournaments for people like me who see a future in dance. We get the opportunity to be judged by dancers who are actually in the industry,” she said.

The ECA trials are likely to be held in the last week of June.