SAU introduces interview-based hostel allotment process, students fear bias

Time of India

21 hours ago

New Delhi: The South Asian University (SAU) has, for the first time, introduced an interview-based process for allotting hostels, triggering protests from students who fear the move could lead to arbitrary rejections and target those critical of the administration.
An email marked to new joinees by Dr Navnit Jha, associate dean of students, outlines the new process. Students applying for hostel accommodation for the 2025–26 academic year will be interviewed between July 25 and 29 via Google Meet, with allotment results to be declared on July 31.
The new rule applies to both fresh and returning students, according to the updated criteria on the university's website. Hostel occupancy is scheduled to begin on Aug 16.
You Can Also Check:
Delhi AQI
|
Weather in Delhi
|
Bank Holidays in Delhi
|
Public Holidays in Delhi
A group of students has criticised the change, calling it opaque and highly subjective. "This opens the door to deny hostel access to dissenting students. There is no transparency or clear criteria for the interviews," a student representative said on the condition of anonymity.
The inclusion of interviews marks a significant shift from previous years, when rooms were allotted based on merit and need, as per the students.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
If A Cat Bites Their Owner Heres What It Really Means
Gloriousa
Undo
They have demanded that the university roll back the policy and ensure "fair and non-discriminatory" access to accommodation.
The updated eligibility guidelines, available on SAU's website, state that only students whose parents are not residents of the National Capital Region (NCR) can apply. Priority is to be given to students from SAARC countries other than India.
Most important, under the new system, equal weightage will be given to academic merit (marks, CGPA, or rank) and the interview.
Applicants are also required to submit a recent character certificate issued by their previous institution.
Notably, all resident students must submit a fresh application each academic year, meaning even those currently staying in hostels must now appear for interviews. This has raised concern among the returning students.
A new student, requesting anonymity, said: "It is troubling that hostel allotment now depends partly on an interview.
There is no clarity on what will be assessed or how. This creates unnecessary anxiety even before the semester begins."
One student feared that the policy could be misused. "Now, with this interview system requirement, there's a fear that students who have raised concerns or criticised the administration could be denied allotment."
She added, "Recently, several disciplinary action reports have come out of SAU against students. Those students could now be singled out and penalised."
TOI reached out to associate dean of students Dr Navnit Jha, but received no response.