Admissions Process
Ashoka University’s holistic admissions process ensures that each application is evaluated in its unique context. Our admissions process is inclusive and has a strong focus on affirmative action. Upholding our long-standing commitment to diversity, we are mindful of applicants from various socio-economic and geographical backgrounds, learning needs, and physical impairments, along with their access to opportunities in both academic and non-academic spheres while processing applications and selecting students for the programme.
Stage 1: Application and Assessment
Application Requirements: Student and Family Details, Academic Scores (Classes X to XII), Non-Academic Engagement, Personal Essays, Letter of Recommendation (optional), SAT/ACT/CUET Scores (Optional)
Assessment Requirements: Ashoka Aptitude Assessment (Mandatory); On-the-Spot Essay (Mandatory)
Detailed instructions to register and start your application are listed below. Once an application form has been submitted within the deadline of a particular round, the applicant will be required to mandatorily participate in the Assessments on the date(s) mentioned in the Admissions Calendar. The Assessments consist of an On-the-Spot Essay (OSE) and the Ashoka Aptitude Assessment (AAA).
Please click here for detailed instructions regarding the Online Assessments scheduled for Round 3 applicants on Sunday, 21st April, 2024 as per Indian Standard Time (IST).
On-the-Spot Essay; Mandatory (30 minutes)
The on-the-spot essay evaluates the following parameters: engagement with the prompt, critical thinking, clarity of thought, and creativity. The candidate will be given two topics to choose from at the time of writing the essay. The candidate cannot use any external resources to help them write the essay. The essay has no word limit and can be attempted with minimal preparation. Please click here to download sample essays and prompts for the On-the-Spot Essay.
A 5-minute break will be provided after the candidate attempts the On-the-Spot Essay section.
Ashoka Aptitude Assessment; Mandatory (90 minutes)
The Ashoka Aptitude Assessment has been developed to evaluate the thinking skills of the applicant. It consists of 40 questions (covering both Critical Thinking and Problem Solving) in 90 minutes. All questions are Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ). The assessment is designed to be taken with minimal preparation. There is no negative marking for wrong answers. The Ashoka Aptitude Assessment consists of the following:
(a) Problem-solving skills (includes numerical and spatial reasoning): The students will be given mathematical problems to solve – spanning across topics such as Data Analysis, Arithmetic, Basic Algebra, Visual Reasoning, and General Problem Solving
(b) Critical thinking skills (includes understanding arguments and reasoning using everyday language): The students will be tested on their ability to process a given excerpt and distill the key points being made, and critically analyse these points
Find sample questions from the Ashoka Aptitude Assessment linked here.
Stage 2: Shortlist for Interview
Select students are shortlisted for the interview stage once the Admissions Committee conducts a holistic in-depth review and evaluation of each application form and assessment.
The Ashoka Interview seeks to understand and get to know the candidate, their background and story. It also evaluates various parameters of the application form submitted by the candidate to gauge the candidate’s suitability to Ashoka University’s academic and residential life programme. The candidate will be interviewed by a panel. The time taken for the interview might vary depending on the interaction.
Stage 3: Decisions and Financial Aid
All final decisions are declared by the Admissions Committee. Once a student receives a firm offer of admission, the financial aid form is enabled for them. The financial aid process is separate from the admission process and in no way impacts a student’s admission at Ashoka.
Students may receive a confirmed offer, or conditional offer, be put on waitlist (and might receive a confirmed offer upon availability), deferral of decision, or denial of admission. If a student fails to participate in any stage as per process, their application will be annulled.