School of Open Learning Students Face Persistent Placement Challenges
For numerous students, particularly those from disadvantaged or working backgrounds, enrolling in the School of Open Learning (SOL) under Delhi University represents a beacon of hope for enhanced employability. The institution's affordability, flexibility, and adaptability to various circumstances make it an attractive option. However, this hope often remains unfulfilled, as SOL degrees do not consistently translate into tangible job opportunities for graduates.
Placement Data Reveals Concerning Trends
Placement statistics from the past three academic years paint a stark picture of the employment landscape for SOL students. In the 2022-23 academic year, approximately 2,500 students attended campus placement drives, but only 257 secured jobs, resulting in a placement rate of about 10%. The following year witnessed participation increase to nearly 3,000 candidates, yet placements rose only marginally to 261, bringing the success rate down to 8%.
In the 2024-25 academic cycle, participation dropped sharply to about 1,500 students, with placements falling to 142. While the placement rate showed a slight improvement to 9%, officials attribute this primarily to fewer candidates attending rather than an increase in job opportunities.
Student Perspectives on Available Opportunities
Students who participated in placement drives expressed disappointment with the nature of available job profiles. "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."
This sentiment reflects broader challenges faced by open-learning students in accessing quality employment opportunities that justify their educational investment.
Institutional Efforts and Structural Challenges
In recent years, SOL has expanded its academic offerings significantly, introducing more sophisticated BA (Hons) programmes, professional courses, and skill-based programmes aimed at improving employability and attracting industry recruiters. Despite these efforts, placement data suggests limited recruiter interest in open-learning students.
An official at SOL explained the underlying challenges: "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 further noted that a substantial portion of SOL students does not actively seek placements through campus drives. "Many students at SOL pursue it as 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 added.
Placement Cell Initiatives and Limited Success
According to the institution, the placement cell, established 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 stated.
He highlighted some recent progress in banking sector placements: "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." However, these successes remain limited in scale compared to the overall student population.
Contrast with Regular DU Colleges
The placement outcomes at SOL stand in sharp contrast to those at Delhi University's high-placement regular colleges. 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, according to officials. 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%.
Broader Implications for Open Learning
The persistent low placement rates at SOL raise important questions about the employability value of open learning degrees in India's competitive job market. While the institution provides crucial access to higher education for diverse student populations, the translation of this education into meaningful employment remains a significant challenge.
The data suggests that both structural factors—including recruiter perceptions of open learning—and student-specific circumstances contribute to the low placement rates. As educational institutions continue to expand access through flexible learning models, addressing the employment outcomes for graduates will remain a critical area for policy and institutional attention.
