Finance Minister Arun Jaitley Thursday said the standards of excellence were improving and becoming tougher in India.
Addressing students of Delhi University's Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), Jaitley, who is also the defence minister, said: "Earlier, admissions were challenging, but not as difficult as it is now.
"Something seems to have changed... but I think the real reason is the country has changed, and with the passing years, the standards of excellence are improving and becoming tougher."
Jaitley is an SRCC alumni.
"There was a time when the society was ready to accept mediocrity. Our own level of ambition was limited to the window of opportunities. Therefore, mediocrity which once upon a time was the eligibility to get into an institution of this kind is now akin to a lot of crowding at the bottom rung," he said.
The minister also applauded the academic staff of the college and said "some of the best textbooks have been authored by them (SRCC staff)".
