Ashoka University or Delhi University?: Choosing the Right Path After 12th

If you’re reading this, you are probably at that confusing yet exciting stage where you’re wondering what your college life will look like. Many students grapple with the question - should I attend Ashoka University or Delhi University (DU)? We’ll try to answer that question today so you can make a well-informed decision. Both colleges are excellent in their own ways but they cater to different needs and aspirations. We will compare both of these based on three major factors: Course Structure, Fees and Placements. Let’s dive into it!

Course Structure: Flexibility vs Tradition

Ashoka University offers a liberal arts model that encompasses many disciplines of social sciences and arts such as Economics, Psychology, Sociology, Literature, Indian Civilizations, etc. You can dabble into all these fields before choosing your major. If you’re unsure about what you want to do, this flexible approach will help you.

On the other hand, DU chooses a more traditional approach in its pedagogy. You typically pick a course (e.g., B.Com, B.A. in English, or B.Sc.) and stick with it for the next three years. DU also offers a Honors program for the 4th year for more specialization. When you have decided what you want to pursue after school, you can pick one of these courses under the umbrella of colleges offered by Delhi University.

What’s your answer?

• If you value flexibility and want to explore different fields, Ashoka University might be better.

• If you’re focused on one subject and want a straightforward, specialized course, DU is for you.

Fees: Premium vs Affordable

The fees are one of the most significant differences between Ashoka University and DU. Ashoka University is a private institution whereas Delhi University is Government-aided. The fees of Ashoka University is almost 9 to 10 lakhs per year apart from residence and other charges. Worried if you could afford this price tag? Ashoka University also offers financial aid based on merit and need so feasibility isn’t a big concern. Check out the GuidEx website to know more about financial aid offered by Ashoka University!

Coming to Delhi University(DU), the annual fees for most undergraduate programs at DU range from INR 10,000 to INR 50,000, making it accessible to students from a wide range of financial backgrounds. Apart from that, DU has numerous colleges providing many options to students depending on their budget.

What’s your budget?

• If you can afford a premium education or plan to apply for financial aid, Ashoka could be worth it.

• If you want a quality education at a lower cost, DU is the clear winner.

  
  

Placements: Focus on Different Career Paths

When it comes to placements, both colleges have strengths catering to different job markets.

Ashoka University has a strong record of placing students in corporate jobs, think tanks, NGOs, and even startups. The emphasis on communication makes students of the college well prepared for their personal and professional life. Here are some placement figures of 2023-24 :-

This is a list of top recruiters of Ashoka based on number of students hired and compensation given :-

Delhi University, being much older and larger, has an extensive alumni network that works in government, corporate, education, and research sectors. Many DU colleges, like SRCC, LSR, and St. Stephen’s, have stellar placement records, with top recruiters like EY, KPMG, and Deloitte visiting regularly. The massive DU alumni network gives students an edge, especially in fields like law, media, and civil services. However, the quality of placements can vary depending on the college you attend. 

What’s your career goal?

• If you want personalized career support and are looking for roles in corporate leadership or new-age fields, Ashoka might be the right choice.

• If you want a broader range of career options and a strong alumni network, DU is a solid option.

Final Thoughts

Choosing between both Ashoka University and DU is not easy as both have different advantages. But we need to make a tradeoff. Ashoka stands out for its liberal arts curriculum, personalized attention, and international-standard education, while DU shines with its affordability, wide course options, and vast alumni network.

Think carefully as each person’s decision is based on their personality, preferences and goals. There is no wrong answer here. All the Best!

Confused about how to get into these top reputed universities? GuidEx can help you! Visit our website to learn more.