Inspired by the Vision of Education as the weapon of change, Ashoka University is one of the leading private, nonprofit Universities having a humble background of 13 years in the educational space of India.
University offers multidisciplinary liberal education, breaking the boundaries between science and arts. Ashoka’s liberal arts and science education promotes intellectual curiosity, critical thinking, innovation, and a solution-oriented attitude among its students.
In line with its vision of creating change-makers, Ashoka University looks beyond grades. It has a holistic admission process that evaluates candidates on the basis of all-inclusive performance in academics, extracurricular, leadership abilities and other personality traits.
Here in this blog, we are going to make you familiar with the admission process of Ashoka University. This will address all your doubts to prevent any further delay in your preparation.
Ashoka University Application Process for Undergraduate Programs
Ashoka University offers 3 (+1) year-long interdisciplinary liberal arts and sciences education.
Following are the undergraduate courses offered at Ashoka University
BA (Hons)
BSc (Hons)
Students enrolled can choose from 21 pure or interdisciplinary options. Minors can be picked from 18 disciplines offered.
Ashoka University Application Prerequisites
1. Academic scores
Though Ashoka has a holistic admission process, that does not imply that marks are not important.A decent academic score depicts commitment to your school education. It is advisable to focus on all round profile development but do not ignore your academics.
2. SAT/ ACT scores
SAT score is not mandatory for Ashoka University application. However, putting a decent SAT score on your application can work to your advantage. Being the world’s most widely recognised university admission test, it is a credible indicator of your general aptitude, reading and comprehension skills.
3. Personal Essays
Probably, the deal maker or breaker to your Ashoka’s application. Essay writing is the most essential part of your admission process.
One essay of 500 words in the application format has to be written mandatorily by the applicant only. You can provide any other relevant information (non-mandatory) to your application in the space provided for the additional essay.
4. Letter of Recommendation
A recommendation letter is not mandatory but desirable to enhance the credibility of a student’s application. Get a letter of recommendation from someone who knows you well– it is not advisable to go for a superficial recommendation.
A letter of recommendation is like a second opinion to the admission’s committee to consider you as a deserving applicant for Ashoka University. Recommenders have to send the Letter of Recommendation within 14 days of the application being submitted.
Who can be a recommender?
School Teacher or Principal
Coach or a Mentor
Educational Counsellor
5. Non-academic Engagement
This majorly involves details of your extracurricular and co-curricular activities. In this section, you can showcase your critical aptitude, leadership qualities, social work and more.
Scanned attachments of certificates as proof for Extra and Co-curricular activities, leadership roles, awards and social impact involvement are highly recommended at the time of submitting your application.
Ashoka University Assessment Criterion
a) Ashoka Aptitude Assessment (Mandatory)
This is to test problem-solving and critical thinking skills. It consists of 40 questions.
b) On the spot Essay
It evaluates your prompt critical thinking, creativity and clarity of thoughts. There will be two topics to choose from, a time limit of 30 minutes and no word limit for the essay.
Visit Ashoka’s website and look for sample essays to have a clear idea about this exercise.
c) Interview
Points to keep in mind during the interview:
Know what you’re talking about, the interviewing panel is experienced enough to identify your weak points.
Consider your application to be the first chapter of your interview preparation- be it your grades, interests, LOR or essays.
Learn to say NO! It’s okay to not know something, have the courage to accept your weakness.
Try to create a light atmosphere, smile, don’t be too nervous while answering questions. Just keep the conversation going.
d) Finalization of Admission
The final decision will be made by the admission committee based on the overall performance of the candidate in each stage and profile.
Financial Aid policy
Various financial aid brackets are available based on your eligibility. The minimum aid is INR 35,000 per year.
If you intend to seek financial aid after receiving a Firm Offer of Admission, the following documents need to be submitted:
Last 3 years ITRs for your parents/earning members of the family
School Fee Receipt(s) for the entire year of your Grade XII
Bank Account Statement for the last 12 months of all earning members of the family
Details of Family Financial Asset(s) (movable and immovable property, investments, etc)
Company ITRs and Bank Statements (for Business families)
In 2016, the acceptance rate of Ashoka University was around 25% which has significantly reduced to about 8-9% in 2021. Implying an increased rate of competition, students should start focussing on their profile from an early stage.
So, What are you waiting for? Start building your profile today. Contact us for assistance with building your profile and applications to get into the top universities of the world!
Frequently asked questions:
Q1: What is the acceptance rate of Ashoka University?
In 2021 the acceptance rate of Ashoka was around (8-9)%.
Q2: Are there any benefits of submitting an application earlier in the first round itself?
The round in which an applicant applies does not affect their chances of being shortlisted for the Interview or for admission to Ashoka University
Q3: Is Ashoka university UGC approved and NAAC accredited?
Yes, Ashoka University is UGC approved and has “A” grade accreditation by NAAC.
Written by: Anmol Arora
