New Delhi: For thousands of Delhi University (DU) aspirants, the approaching date for the announcement of the first cut off list for DU, June 22, is like a bomb that is gradually ticking to its moment of explosion.

It is natural for students to feel this anxiety. After all, DU is not only rated among the best universities in the world, but also, this year, more than one lakh students have applied for its 54,000 seats.

The number of students who apply for admission at DU increases several-folds every year. This, in turn, leads to the cut-offs being sky high, spelling disappointment for students who do not meet the cut-offs to get into a DU college, let alone a course of their choice.

If you fear that you will not be able to get admission into a college and course of your choice this year, there is little to worry about. Delhi University is far from being the only option available for higher education in the city. In fact, several universities and institutes offering a plethora of courses are now available for consideration.

With varsities such as Jamia Millia Islamia, Indraprastha University, Rai University and Amity University in Delhi, there is much hope and quite a number of options for students willing to explore courses beyond DU.

Jamia Millia Islamia, a central varsity with a sprawling campus in South Delhi, offers undergraduate courses in several areas of study. Having various faculties and departments, the university offers regular as well as part time courses. There is no dearth of options available at this university that has maintained a great reputation since its inception in the year 1920.

Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University, commonly referred to as just Indraprastha University, was established by the government of Delhi in the year 1998. Although quite young, the university has managed to uphold a good reputation, providing comprehensive learning and research facilities with a focus on professional education. The varsity has several undergraduate programmes in subjects ranging from engineering, technology, management studies, medicine, pharmacy, nursing, education, law, etc.

For students who have always been fascinated by computers and information technology, and would like to pursue their careers in this field that is seeing rapid advancements with every passing moment, the National Institute of Information Technology (NIIT) is a great option for higher studies. NIIT has been ranked Asia's No. 1 training institute and leading Global Talent Development Corporation. It is a haven for students who aspire to have a career in the field of IT.

For students who are willing to study by distance mode, the Indra Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) is a great option. IGNOU is the largest open university in the world and offers distance-learning courses spanning a wide range of subjects, leaving no option unexplored.

For even more options that can be considered besides Delhi University, students can log on to www.DelhiEducation.net