The Tara Singh Auditorium at SGTB Khalsa College Saturday saw hundreds of aspiring, anxious students attend this year's first Open Day organised by Delhi University (DU) to help aspirants get a clearer picture to map out their admission strategy. The Open Day is an annual event which provides detailed knowledge of the different courses and colleges before the actual admission process begins.

"The Open Day aims at helping students and their parents in making up their minds whether they wish to join DU...which colleges are offering which course...what expectations DU has from the aspirants," said S.K. Vij, the university's dean of students' welfare.

Some students arrived in groups and others with their parents. The teens were dressed in colourful attire. Their faces bore a mixed expression of hope as well as eagerness.

The college was buzzing with activity as anxious students discussed animatedly whereas student counsellors and teachers were busy in final preparations. Student counsellors belonging to various colleges made audio-visual presentations for an insight into the admission process. Apart from the courses and colleges, they informed the students about hostel facilities and even bus and Metro routes. Despite the content, the presentation didn't seem to have much impact on some students because of technical glitches.

"The presentation was not that effective or helpful. There were so many technical problems and more time should have been dedicated for the interactive sessions. It was not up to the mark," said 18-year-old Abhishek Bishnoi, who wants to pursue B.Com from Sri Ram College of Commerce.

However, 17-year-old Deepanshi, did not share this view. "After coming out of school, our knowledge regarding the admission process in DU is absolutely nil. Such events are of great help."

Pleased by the response, Kshitij Ahuja, a student counsellor from Khalsa College said: "Apart from this event we are getting 500-600 calls daily inquiring about the different course and college options."

Meanwhile, the excited DU aspirants could be seen all over the place inquiring about each and every option in terms of courses and colleges from teachers and as well as student counsellors.

Gurpreet Singh Tuteja, deputy dean of student's welfare told IANS: "Students are very enthusiastic...till now we have received general queries and there is no inclination towards any particular course at this point of time."