New Delhi: For many students, especially those from disadvantaged or working backgrounds who choose the School of Open Learning (SOL) under Delhi University (DU) due to cost, flexibility, or circumstances, a degree often represents hope for better employability. However, these degrees do not consistently translate into job opportunities for them.Placement data from the past three years shows that only about one in 10 students who attend campus placement drives are able to secure jobs.
In the 2022-23 academic year, about 2,500 students attended SOL placement drives, but only 257 were placed, translating to a placement rate of about 10%. The following year saw participation increase to nearly 3,000 candidates, yet placements rose only marginally to 261, bringing the success rate down to 8%. In 2024-25, participation dropped sharply to about 1,500 students, with placements falling to 142. While the placement rate showed a slight improvement to 9%, officials say this was largely due to fewer candidates turning up rather than a rise in job opportunities.In recent years, SOL has expanded its academic offerings, introducing more sophisticated BA (Hons) programmes, professional courses and skill-based programmes aimed at improving employability and attracting industry recruiters. However, placement data suggests not only limited recruiter interest in open-learning students, but also that only a small fraction of enrolled students opt to participate in campus placement drives.Students who did attend placement drives said the nature of available job profiles discourages participation. “Most companies that came were offering BPO or tele-calling roles,” said Ravi, a BA programme student who works part-time. “The salary was Rs 15,000-Rs 20,000 and most offices were in Noida or Gurgaon. For many of us, the travel cost and time make these jobs unattractive.”An official at SOL said the placement pattern reflects the limited range of recruiters willing to engage with open-learning institutions. “There is still a stigma around open and distance learning, and most of the opportunities we receive are BPO roles where communication skills are key. For more specialised entry-level positions, our students find it difficult to compete with those from regular programmes.”The official added that a large section of SOL students is not actively seeking placements. “Many students at SOL pursue it a second or additional programme while studying elsewhere or preparing for civil services. Or, they are already employed. As a result, campus placements are not a priority for a significant number of students,” he said.According to the institution, the placement cell, which was set up in 2018, has intensified its efforts in recent years to improve recruitment outcomes for students. “Post-Covid, we have been conducting campus placement drives regularly across SOL campuses to encourage student participation,” the official said.He added that there have been some recent placements in banking roles. “We have been able to place a few students in banks for sales profiles, which students tend to prefer due to the perception associated with bank jobs.”By contrast, Delhi University’s high-placement regular colleges report relatively stronger outcomes. At Shri Ram College of Commerce, of an outgoing batch strength of 1,140 students, about 930 registered for placements in the most recent cycle, with nearly 515 receiving job offers—translating into a success rate of roughly 55%. The college recorded a highest salary package of Rs 36 lakh per annum, with an average package of Rs 9.8 lakh, officials claimed. Similarly, at Lady Shri Ram College for Women, of an outgoing batch of 1,100 students in 2025, an estimated 500–600 registered for placements, of whom about 230 secured jobs, indicating a placement success rate of approximately 38–46%, as per the data provided by college administration.
