Hello Nishant,

You can appear in CBSE boards for the third time also and try to clear with great marks because St. Stephens has the highest cut-offs in Delhi University. In CBSE boards, you are allowed to reappear 3 times.

Apart from appearing in CBSE Boards, you can also complete your 12th class from NIOS (National Institute of Open Schooling). The course is designed for those who have passed the Xth standard or equivalent examination from a recognized Board and would like to continue their education towards a Senior Secondary Certification, equivalent to XII standard. if you want to pass the exams without wasting a year that is within the same year when you failed then you can appear for the exams through NIOS ON DEMAND EXAM SYSTEM. If you want to have some time to prepare for examination then there is the NIOS STREAM-2 PUBIC EXAM forum that allows you to retake the Board Exams in the months of September-October of the coming year.

ARE THERE ANY DEMERITS?

Delhi University in previous years has published FAQs in which it is clearly written, that there is no disadvantage for Gap year, failed or NIOS candidate. The official site says “The colleges shall strictly follow the University guidelines with respect to gap year policy. The applicants with gap year(s) will not be at any disadvantage for the purpose of admission to the undergraduate programmes.”

Also, there is no minimum or maximum age limit so you won’t even face any issue in that criterion also. 

The main criteria for admission are that you should qualify the class 12th exam with minimum marks mentioned and should have scored the percentage mentioned in cut-offs in order to get admitted.

While St. Stephens do have a bit different criteria at times of admission but this college follows DU guidelines. So, go ahead and just give your best, if you score well, you will definitely be able to get admitted to this prestigious institution!

I hope this information is helpful to you. If you have any other doubt or query, feel free to ask or comment.

All the best!