Delhi University Revamps UG Admission Criteria for 2025-26: Greater Flexibility for Students

The University of Delhi (DU), one of India's premier institutions, has announced significant changes in its undergraduate (UG) admission criteria for the 2025-26 academic session. The updated guidelines introduce greater flexibility in subject selection for Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs and ease eligibility requirements for science and commerce aspirants. These modifications aim to provide students with a more accommodating framework for securing admission to various undergraduate courses.

Changes in BA Subject Selection

As per the revised criteria, students applying for BA programs can now opt for two domain subjects and two languages, replacing the earlier structure that mandated one language and three domain subjects. This change applies to several undergraduate BA courses, including history and psychology, among others. According to Haneet Gandhi, DU’s dean of admissions, this modification ensures students have more options in designing their academic pathways, catering to a broader range of interests and career aspirations.

“Earlier, students could choose one language and three domain subjects, but this time, students can also choose two languages and two subjects,” Gandhi explained. This adjustment reflects DU’s ongoing efforts to align its admission process with contemporary educational demands and the interdisciplinary nature of modern studies.

Eased Criteria for Science Students

In a major relief for science students, DU has removed the minimum language score requirement for those applying to physics, chemistry, and mathematics (PCM)-based courses. Previously, applicants from the PCM stream were required to score at least 30% in a language paper. However, under the new guidelines, students only need to have appeared in a language paper from List A for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET).

This revision is expected to benefit students whose academic strengths lie in science subjects but may have faced difficulties meeting the language score threshold. By eliminating this requirement, DU aims to ensure that deserving candidates are not restricted by language performance when seeking admission to science courses.

Commerce Students Gain More Opportunities

DU’s updated admission criteria also open doors for commerce aspirants. Previously, students who had not studied mathematics in Class 12 were ineligible for the Bachelor of Commerce (Honours) program. Under the new policy, such students can now apply for B.Com (Hons) under the second subject combination category.

This change is particularly significant, as it allows students from diverse educational backgrounds to pursue higher studies in commerce without the rigid prerequisite of mathematics. By making B.Com (Hons) more accessible, DU is broadening opportunities for students aiming to build careers in finance, business, and management.

Shift Towards a More Flexible Admission System

These modifications are part of DU’s ongoing transition towards a more flexible and student-centric admission system. The university has been progressively reforming its admission structure since 2022, when it adopted CUET-UG as the primary mode of selection. The introduction of a two-subject combination system for many undergraduate programs is in line with this approach, ensuring that students have greater autonomy in shaping their academic journey.

DU’s decision to implement these changes reflects a broader shift in India’s higher education system, which is gradually moving towards greater interdisciplinary learning and inclusivity. The ability to choose two languages instead of one, for instance, may particularly benefit students interested in linguistics, literature, and international studies. Similarly, easing entry requirements for science and commerce courses ensures that students are evaluated on their core competencies rather than rigid subject combinations.

Application Process and College Admissions

According to the information bulletin, DU will conduct UG admissions for the 2025-26 academic session across 91 affiliated colleges. Admissions will continue to be processed through the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS), which streamlines the allotment of seats based on CUET-UG scores.

Students seeking admission to the School of Open Learning (SOL) and Non-Collegiate Women Education Board (NCWEB) will have to apply separately, as their admission processes are distinct from the CSAS system.

Impact and Expectations

These changes are expected to bring several benefits to aspiring students. By offering greater flexibility in subject selection, DU is accommodating diverse academic interests and making its courses more accessible. The removal of stringent eligibility criteria for science and commerce programs ensures that more students can compete for coveted seats without unnecessary restrictions.

Overall, the revised admission criteria signify DU’s commitment to fostering an inclusive and progressive educational environment. With the introduction of these changes, students will have more freedom to tailor their academic choices according to their strengths and career goals, ultimately enriching their learning experience at one of India’s most prestigious universities.