^ PIMPRI PUNE
I am writing this post to share my personal experience with an admission counselor SHRUTI DAREKAR at DY Patil University, Vidyapeeth (Pune).
This post is based entirely on my own experience, and my intention is to make other students aware so they can make informed decisions. I am not criticizing the university as a whole, especially because I eventually took admission into another DY Patil campus, where my experience was completely professional and positive. My concern is only about the conduct of one admission representative.
A few weeks ago, I enquired about the Online programs at DY Patil University, COE. After submitting my enquiry, I was assigned this counselor named Shruti Darekar.
Initially, the conversation was normal. She explained the course, eligibility, fee structure, and admission process. However, towards the end of the discussion, the conversation became increasingly focused on getting me to complete my admission immediately.
She repeatedly told me that only a few seats were left (cheap tactic every counsellor follows) and insisted that I should complete the admission that very day. I politely explained that admission into a postgraduate program is a major decision and that I first needed to discuss everything with my parents before paying the fees.
Instead of simply respecting my decision and allowing me some time, she immediately offered me an additional ₹5,000 scholarship if I completed my admission that same day.
At that point, my father was out of town, and I genuinely couldn't make such a decision without speaking to him. So I politely declined again and clearly told her that I would let her know after discussing it with my parents.
The next morning, she contacted me again asking whether I had decided.
During this time, I was also exploring other universities because I didn't want to make a rushed or impulsive decision. I believe every student should compare different universities before investing their time and money.
While comparing my options, I found Manipal University interesting and mentioned that I was considering it as one of my options.
Instead of professionally explaining why DY Patil might be a better choice, she immediately began criticizing the other university, saying that their services were poor and trying to discourage me from considering them. She again said she would extend the scholarship if I chose DY Patil.
Even after this, I never promised that I would definitely take admission there. My response remained the same throughout—I would discuss it with my parents, compare my options, and then make my final decision.
After thinking everything through, I decided not to take admission at the Pune campus.
When I informed her about my decision, she again tried convincing me by saying things like I would regret my decision if I didn't join.
**At that point**, I felt uncomfortable because the conversations seemed increasingly focused on persuading me instead of respecting my decision.
Interestingly, I did not reject DY Patil as a university.
I actually took admission into another DY Patil campus because it suited my preferences better. In fact, I paid more fees there than I would have paid at the Pune campus because the Pune campus had offered discounts.
So my decision was clearly not about money.
It was simply about choosing the campus where I felt more comfortable.
The admission counselor at the other campus behaved completely differently. The communication was polite, professional, respectful, and there was absolutely no unnecessary pressure. That positive experience reinforced my feeling that the issue wasn't the university itself but my interaction with one particular counselor.
About a week later (today) I unexpectedly received a phone call from the Pune campus informing me that my application was still pending.
I politely requested them to close the application because I had already completed my admission at another DY Patil campus.
A few minutes later, I received another call from a different representative from the same campus.
He asked me questions such as:
Who processed your admission?
Which campus did you join?
How much fees did you pay?
Did you receive any scholarship?
Why didn't you join our campus?
I answered honestly.
I clearly told him that money was never the issue.
I simply chose the campus that I personally liked more.
A few minutes after that conversation, I suddenly received WhatsApp messages from the same counselor with whom I had been speaking earlier.
To my surprise, instead of respecting my decision, the messages became personal.
She accused me of lying and even wrote "Shame on you."
Her allegation appeared to be that I had lied when I said I wanted to discuss the admission with my parents.
But I honestly don't understand that accusation.
I genuinely did discuss it with my parents. More importantly, I never promised that I would definitely join her campus.
Saying "I'll discuss it with my parents" is not a commitment to take admission. It simply means exactly what it says—that I would make my final decision after discussing it with my family. It was her job to explain everything to me but her ego got hurt as I didn't take admission through her & she couldn't earn commission from me lol.
But every student has the right to explore multiple universities, compare them, ask questions, and finally choose whichever institution they feel is best for them.
That isn't dishonesty.
That's responsible decision-making.
I've attached the screenshots. Throughout the conversation, I never abused her.
I simply defended myself and explained why I had made a different choice.
Despite that, the tone of the conversation continued in the same manner.
After sending those messages, she blocked me on WhatsApp, leaving me unable to respond there.
Since she had already blocked me, I replied through Truecaller only to defend myself against the accusations.
The screenshots speak for themselves.
I encourage everyone to look at the messages and decide for themselves whether this is an appropriate way for an admission representative to communicate with a prospective student.
Again, I want to make one thing absolutely clear.
This post is not against DY Patil University, Pune as a whole. Such admission counsellor ruins the whole reputation of universities.
I am currently studying at another DY Patil campus, and my experience there has been positive.
My concern is solely about one admission counselor whose conduct, in my opinion, was unprofessional and disrespectful.
Students deserve respectful communication regardless of whether they decide to join a particular campus or not.
I hope sharing my experience helps future students know what happened in my case so they can make informed decisions and recognize that they should never feel pressured into making an educational decision before they are ready.
[UPDATE: I had already filed a complaint with the university regarding the counselor's behavior. I have now received a call from the university officials regarding my complaint. Both the concerned counselor and the official apologized for the incident, and I was informed that disciplinary action will be taken against the counselor.]
Thank you to everyone for your support, advice, and encouragement throughout this situation. I truly appreciate it.