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DUSU Executive Committee Dates Released

By DU Beat October 30, 2025

The dates and guidelines regarding the Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) Executive Committee (EC) nominations were released recently in an official notice issued by the election officer.

DUSU Executive Committee Election dates were released by Delhi University in an announcement on 27th October, 2025. The notice, issued by the election officer, Prof. Raj Kishor Sharma, outlines the dates and the deadlines for the receipt of nomination papers, their scrutiny, and publication, as well as their withdrawal, providing a thorough understanding of the electoral timelines.

In accordance to the notice, the nomination papers will be received latest by Thursday, 6th November, 2025, till 2:00 pm, and their scrutiny will take place on the same day as well at 2:30 pm. The publication of the final list of nominated candidates is scheduled to go up at 5:00 pm on the same day. The announcement further states that the withdrawal of the nominations will be permitted till 12:00 noon of the next day, i.e., 7th November, 2025 and the publication of the final list will be released at 2:00 pm of that day.

The final election will be conducted on 14th of November, 2025 from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm at the Office of the Election Officer Conference Centre.

The notice further stated that the counting of votes will begin post polling, i.e., 2:30pm. Entry will be provided for the scrutiny of nomination papers only in the post-production of the gate pass issued by the election office and verified by the principal and the Head of the Institution concerned. Withdrawal forms will be accepted only on the account of them being submitted in person by the candidate concerned.

The notice ended with an emphasis on the importance of always carrying the identity card issued by the department/institution/college that he/she belongs to.

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Ananya Agarwal

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Campus Central

DU Staff Criticise Admin, Demand Expulsion of DUSU Activist Over Assault on Professor

By DU Beat October 30, 2025

DU staff, including elected members of the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA), condemn the university administration for the lack of action taken against DUSU Joint Secretary Deepika Jha for the alleged attack on a professor on duty. Several teachers’ organisations demand the furnishing of the FIR and expulsion of Miss Jha.

Despite two weeks passing since Mr Sujit Kumar, a professor at Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar College, University of Delhi, was allegedly slapped and physically assaulted by Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) Joint Secretary Deepika Jha on 16th October 2025, the university has yet to take any sort of disciplinary action against Miss Jha. The most that has been done is collective condemnation against these actions by several staff associations that describe the event as a “grave breach of academic decorum and moral authority,” as quoted by the Indian Express.

The incident allegedly took place inside the Principal’s office, in the presence of multiple police personnel. Miss Jha, who is affiliated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), stated that the action was impulsive and in retaliation for the professor’s behaviour. She alleged that the professor spoke to her demeaningly and kept staring at her, which made her uncomfortable. She accused the professor of being intoxicated and directing indecent remarks towards her. The professor, however, denied these allegations.

Several groups, including the CTF, DTF, DTI, INTEC (I), RSM, and SSM, termed the incident “an attack on the dignity of teachers and the academic environment of the university” and criticised the lack of disciplinary action taken against the student representatives. Since the incident, several teachers’ organisations of the University of Delhi have written to the Delhi University Teachers’ Association, demanding a General Body Meeting to be convened for the discussion of the issue.

The Association has raised several demands, one of them being the filing of an FIR and furnishing a copy of the same to Professor Kumar. The college’s emergent General Body Meeting, held on October 22nd, described the incident as “a direct assault on the dignity, safety, and honour of the entire teaching community.” One of the unanimously passed resolutions included a ban on DUSU activists from the college premises. According to a press release by the Dr Bhim Rao Ambedkar College Staff Association (BRACSA), a dharna was held on October 27th. It was joined by DUTA members, members of the academic council, and teachers from various colleges. A statement signed by Prof. Md Riyazuddin Khan, Secretary of BRACSA, advocated for the expulsion of Miss Jha and demanded justice for the affected person.

Rudrashish Chakraborty, Associate Professor of English at Kirori Mal College and former member of the DUTA Executive and Academic Council, was quoted: “Neither the college administration has lodged an FIR, nor the university administration has taken any palpable action against the culprits till now. Instead, the perpetrators of the crime have been allowed to malign the victim on social media and other platforms to distract attention from the main issue of physically assaulting a teacher on duty.” He also stated that it is obvious that the university administration is shielding culprits, “as per instructions from above.”

He added that the silence and complicity from the administration have made the university an “unsafe space for the teaching-learning process.” Several elected members of DUTA and multiple college organisations have accused the university administration of failing to protect faculty members from intimidation. Prof.Yogesh Singh, Vice-Chancellor, University of Delhi, stated, “We have formed an inquiry committee and are working on it. A decision will be taken shortly.”

Souparnika
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Image Source: Screengrab from CCTV Footage

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DUB News

Miranda House Students Targeted by Scam Callers

By DU Beat October 30, 2025

Students attending Miranda House are advised to stay aware of scam callers masquerading as university officials requesting WhatsApp login OTPs and demanding money from students. The college has put out an official notice informing students about the situation and instructing them on what measures to take if they receive such calls.

Students at Miranda House, University of Delhi, are reporting receiving phone calls from unknown numbers. It is reported that the caller asks for WhatsApp login OTPs, alleging an issue concerning examination forms. Upon logging into the WhatsApp accounts of students, the scam caller proceeds to demand money. A graduate from Miranda House claims that she, too, received such a call from a scammer asking for a WhatsApp login code.

She claimed that when she refused to share the code, the caller got aggressive. She stated,

I’ve literally passed out, and they were asking me to pay the fee, and then later said that there was an issue with my TC documents. Rubbish. Stay aware.”

Following these reports, Miranda House released a notice, warning students about the callers. The college advised students to “remain vigilant.” Students were instructed not to engage with such callers or share any personal information over the phone.

The college reminded students that no teaching or non-teaching staff member would ever contact them to demand or request money through phone calls, messages, or any other means. Students were also told to report the matter to either Lt. Meena Kumari, Deputy Teacher-in-Charge, Miranda House, or the College Office if they received such a call for necessary actions to be taken. Students at Janki Devi Memorial College (JDMC) also report similar scam calls requesting WhatsApp login OTPs. However, the college has not yet put out an official statement.

Image Credits: Popular Science

Souparnika.S.Rajkumar

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Campus Central

No Acid, No Attacker: Police Reveal DU Student Faked Assault on Father’s Orders

By DU Beat October 28, 2025

Delhi Police found that the alleged DU acid attack was staged by the student and her father, Aqeel Khan, to frame an acquaintance amid a personal dispute.

A 20-year-old second-year B.Com student enrolled under DU’s Non-Collegiate Women’s Education Board (NCWEB) had alleged that acid was thrown at her near her college earlier this week. However, investigations have now revealed that the incident was fabricated by the student and her father, Aqeel Khan, to frame the alleged accused, Jitendra, who is an acquaintance.

According to police, Khan has confessed to orchestrating the staged attack;

The evidence clearly proves that no acid attack took place. The father’s admission and the medical findings expose a deliberate attempt to misuse public outrage and waste police resources,” a senior Delhi Police officer said.

CCTV footage, call detail records, and eyewitness statements contradicted the student’s claims. Investigators found that Jitendra was at the time of the alleged attack in Karol Bagh. His motorcycle, initially believed to be used in the assault, was parked there, and his mobile location also matched the Karol Bagh area.

Forensic teams found no acid residue at the spot, and no CCTV camera captured any such incident near the college gate. Doctors at RML Hospital confirmed that the injuries were superficial and consistent with toilet cleaner burns, not acid. Police concluded that the student had poured the liquid on her own hand to mimic an attack.

Sources said Khan’s motive was to take revenge and divert attention from another case. Days before the alleged attack, Jitendra’s wife had filed a complaint against Khan, accusing him of sexual harassment and blackmail during her employment at his garment factory between 2021 and 2024.

The police have now classified the case as false and registered an FIR under Sections 124(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against the student and her father for misleading authorities and misusing public resources. Khan has been arrested, and further investigation is underway.

Image Credit: Navbharat Times

Anjali Kumari Jha
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Campus Central

Stalker Attacks Lakshmibai College Student

By DU Beat October 26, 2025

A Delhi University student, reportedly enrolled in NCWEB, was injured in an acid attack near Lakshmibai College on Sunday morning, allegedly carried out by a stalker from her neighbourhood along with two accomplices.

A 20-year-old Delhi University second-year student sustained burn injuries in an acid attack near Lakshmibai College, Ashok Vihar, around 10 a.m. on Sunday. According to police, the victim, a resident of Mukundpur, was on her way to the college for an extra class when the incident occurred just a short distance away. She managed to shield her face, but the acid burnt part of her hands.

The incident came to light after the police received a call from the hospital. Delhi Police spokesperson said that based on the victim’s statement, a case has been registered and a search for the accused has been launched.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the main accused, Jitender, who was an acquaintance of the victim, arrived at the crime spot on a motorcycle with two others, Ishaan and Armaan. “Ishaan handed over a bottle to Armaan, who threw acid on her,” the police statement said. The three fled immediately after the attack.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bhisham Singh, said, “On inquiry, the victim stated that she is a second-year student and had gone to Laxmibai College, Ashok Vihar, for an extra class. While she was walking towards the college, a man named Jitender came on a bike with his friends Ishaan and Armaan. Ishan allegedly handed over a bottle to Armaan, who threw acid on the woman. The victim tried to protect her face but sustained injuries on both hands. The accused fled the spot.”

Police said Jitender, who also lives in the Mukundpur area, had been harassing and stalking the woman for some time and had grown hostile following a quarrel a month ago. A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory inspected the scene, and CCTV footage from the surrounding area is being examined. Police teams are conducting raids to trace the accused.

The victim was first taken to Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital and later shifted to RML Hospital. Doctors confirmed that her injuries were not life-threatening.

A senior officer from Ashok Vihar police station said,

The victim has shown remarkable courage. She shielded herself and survived what could have been far worse.”

Image Credit: India Today

Image Caption: Victim sustained burns on her hand while protecting her face.

Anjali Kumari Jha

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Campus Central

Chhath Puja Excluded From Delhi University Holiday Calendar Despite Delhi Govt Declaration, Again.

By DU Beat October 26, 2025

On Friday, the Delhi Government declared Chhath Puja on 27th October to be a public holiday. However, Delhi University has not declared an official holiday, sparking student outrage. While some colleges like Sri Venkateswara have offered academic leniency, the broader university administration remains unresponsive.

Chhath Puja, a government holiday, as declared by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has yet again, been disregarded by the Delhi University, stirring up major discontent and controversy. While the capital city will be observing a holiday on 27th October, i.e., Monday, which marks the third and most important day of the festival, the Delhi University administration has retained the occasion in its list of restricted holidays, and has despite past outrage and a government-mandated closure of holidays, not kept it a holiday for its students.

Chhath Puja is widely celebrated across Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh by worshipping the Sun God or ‘Chhathi Maiya’. The Chief Minister, in her declaration, said, “Through the worship of the Sun and Chhathi Maiya, Chhath conveys a message of purity, environmental protection and gratitude towards nature.” The erstwhile Delhi CM Atishi had declared a similar government holiday last year as well.

This year, the official University mid-semester Diwali break was scheduled from 19th October till the 26th of October—incorporating Chhath Puja within this break would simply mean extending the holiday just by one day. This remains one of the major points of contention amongst University students celebrating the festivity as a 3rd year points out,

I’m really disappointed that DU didn’t consider extending the holidays for Chhath Puja. It’s such an important festival for so many of us from Bihar and Eastern UP, and most of us travel back home just for these few days. One extra day would’ve made a huge difference because the travel itself takes so long. It feels like the university doesn’t really understand how significant this festival is for us emotionally and culturally.”

Such outrage has previously been noted amongst the students on multiple other occasions, such as on Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti earlier in the month, which was an officially declared public holiday by the Delhi Government.

However, classes for most Delhi University colleges were not officially cancelled. Students have argued that since DU is a Central University, and thus comes under the jurisdiction of the Central Government, it is unfair to assume that classes would be cancelled for the University. Despite this, students who have celebrated the Chhath Festival throughout their lives are disappointed towards the lack of sensitivity of the University administration and their inactivity in recognising and encouraging inclusivity for students of all backgrounds.

“A one-day extension would have shown some inclusivity towards students who celebrate Chhath. It’s a big deal back home for us,” a second-year Delhi University student said,

It’s unfair that so many of us have to miss the celebration this year because classes resume immediately. Even a single-day extension would’ve allowed us to be with our families without worrying about the travel or attendance, especially when fulfilling the attendance criteria is imperative.”

This is not to say that all colleges within DU are completely indifferent to this public holiday declaration. The administration of Sri Venkateswara College has informed its faculty that no class tests, assignment submissions or practical tests are to be scheduled between the 27th and 31st of October, “to ensure that students are able to participate in the festive celebrations without academic inconvenience”, as intimated through an email that was sent to the teachers. A post by DUTODAY mentioned that many colleges across Delhi University are expected to adopt similar measures, subject to the respective departments and colleges.

Image source: The Indian Express

Manya Marwah

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Arts & Culture

Spirit: The Annual Sports Fest of IIT Guwahati

By DU Beat October 26, 2025

Spirit, the annual sports festival of the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati (IITG), is a celebration of athleticism, passion, and unity — a spectacle that has grown to become one of the largest and most prestigious inter-collegiate sports festivals in Northeast India.

Held over four exhilarating days, the fest transforms the IIT Guwahati campus into a vibrant arena of competition, teamwork, and camaraderie. The upcoming 12th edition of Spirit will take place from 30th October to 2nd November, 2025, continuing its rich legacy of fostering a dynamic sporting culture.

A Celebration of Talent and Sportsmanship

Every year, Spirit attracts over 2,000 athletes from 40+ colleges across India — and even neighboring nations like Bhutan — who come together to compete, connect, and celebrate the power of sports. The event witnesses an incredible footfall exceeding 40,000, creating an atmosphere charged with energy, enthusiasm, and unity.

A Platform for Diverse Sporting Talent

Spirit offers an extensive range of sporting events designed to highlight both individual excellence and team spirit. With substantial prize pools and electrifying competition, every event is a showcase of determination and skill.

Racquet Sports:
Badminton (Men & Women) | Lawn Tennis (Men & Women) | Table Tennis (Men & Women) | Squash (Men & Women)

Individual Sports:
Athletics (Men & Women) | Swimming (Men & Women) | Yoga (Men & Women)

Other Competitions:
Water Polo (Men) | Carrom (Mixed Teams) | Chess (Mixed)

More Than Just a Sports Festival

While competitive sports form the heart of Spirit, the fest’s soul lies in its celebration of culture, entertainment, and inspiration.

Pronites – Whizbang:
As the sun sets on days filled with fierce competition, the fest lights up with Whizbang, a dazzling series of musical nights and performances by renowned artists. These evenings bring together rhythm, light, and joy — creating memories that last long after the games end.

Notable Personalities:
Over the years, Spirit has been graced by the presence of distinguished guests from the world of sports and entertainment. The 2024 edition saw appearances by cricketer Jasprit Singh and singer Laqshay Kapoor, adding star power to the celebration.

Spirit 2025: Bigger, Bolder, and Beyond

As Spirit enters its 12th edition, it stands as a testament to IIT Guwahati’s commitment to sports, inclusivity, and excellence. With new ambitions, heightened competition, and a growing legacy, Spirit 2025 promises to be an unforgettable chapter in the journey of collegiate sports.

DU Beat

Image Credits: IIT Guwahati

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Uncategorized

Humanities Students Lead Delhi University’s Shift to Four-Year Undergraduate Programme

By DU Beat October 26, 2025

Delhi University’s bold transition to a four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP) reveals a clear trend: humanities students and those in top-ranked colleges are embracing the change most enthusiastically. In centrally located colleges such as Miranda House, Lady Shri Ram (LSR), and Hindu College, nearly 40% of students have opted to continue for the fourth year, compared to an overall university average of about 30%, according to DU officials.

The highest continuation rates have been recorded in the humanities and social sciences, especially subjects like political science, English, psychology, history, and Hindi. In contrast, students in science courses show less interest in extending their studies. A DU official explained, “Many science students prefer to move on to postgraduate programmes at premier institutions such as IITs and IISERs, where they can specialise immediately.”

This makes the FYUP’s early success a story led by liberal arts and social sciences, traditionally popular disciplines at DU’s prestigious colleges. “At Miranda House, about 30% of students are continuing; Hindu College has retained 38%, and LSR has reported close to 40% retention,” the official said. However, colleges located on the city’s outskirts have seen significantly lower participation, with continuation rates ranging between 15% and 27%.

The divide, principals say, stems from differences in infrastructure, visibility, and student profiles. Centrally located colleges tend to attract higher-performing students and provide stronger academic and research facilities, while off-campus colleges face resource constraints. Still, some administrators see a positive side. “Smaller fourth-year batches give us time to fine-tune the system before scaling up,” said the principal of a South Campus college.

The new four-year programme, introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to encourage multidisciplinary learning, flexibility, and research orientation. Launched in 2022–23, the programme offers three exit points — a certificate after one year, a diploma after two, and a degree after three, with the fourth year leading to an honours with research qualification.

Last week, DU officials held a review meeting with affiliated colleges to assess implementation. Some institutions reported very low enrolments, with fewer than 10 students in some fourth-year classes, posing academic and administrative challenges. Colleges have been advised to form clusters so students from different institutions can attend joint classes for similar courses. A DU Spokesperson says,

We expect participation to rise once students see the long-term academic and career benefits.

For many students, the decision to stay reflects career planning and academic ambition. Another final-year student from Hindu College said,

The fourth year lets me specialise and focus on research. The ‘honours with research’ tag will strengthen my postgraduate applications and give me an edge professionally.”

As Delhi University becomes one of the first central universities to fully adopt the FYUP model, the transition marks a significant shift in India’s higher education landscape—one that places research, flexibility, and academic depth at the core of undergraduate learning.

Featured Image Source: The Indian Express

Richa Choudhary

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Campus Central

Sri Venkateswara Asks Faculty to Avoid Tests Post-Diwali Break; Some Say Assessments Still On

By DU Beat October 26, 2025

Sri Venkateswara College has advised faculty not to schedule tests from 27–31 October 2025 to allow students to participate in post-Diwali festivities. This is the only DU college to have made this advisory thus far.

Sri Venkateswara College has issued a notification asking faculty members to avoid scheduling academic assessments, including class tests, assignments, and practical exams, between October 27th and October 31, 2025. The communication, circulated by Principal Prof. Vajala Ravi, states that the pause on tests is intended to ensure students can “actively participate in festivities” following the winter break.

According to the official DU academic calendar, winter break runs from October 19th to October 26th. Regular classes resume across the university on October 27, and Sri Venkateswara College will also reopen as scheduled. The college administration, however, has urged faculty to delay assessments until after October 31. This notification perhaps aims to give students some leeway in case of delays in return or time to readjust without ‘academic inconvenience’.

As of now, no other DU college has issued a similar guideline instructing teachers to refrain from academic tests during that period. Given that Diwali (20 October) and Bhai Dooj (23 October) fall just before the period the college has flagged, and with Chhath Puja observed from 25–28 October, many students may already be navigating travel, family commitments, and rituals. In such cases, rushing back immediately for tests could lead to attendance issues or students missing internal marks. Avoiding academic backlogs due to festival delays seems to be the administration’s primary focus.

The timing also overlaps with heavy inter-state travel for many out-station students, meaning disruptions or delays are common and could make immediate academic obligations difficult. The advisory may therefore be aimed at preventing avoidable loss of marks or attendance issues.

However, some students claim the notification has not been entirely effective. Some departments have reportedly retained planned assessments, with faculty members stating that their test schedules were decided well in advance and are difficult to alter at short notice.

Image Credits: WikiMedia Commons

Anjali Paruvu

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Campus Central

Teachers’ Bodies Demand Action After Alleged Assault on DU Professor by DUSU Joint Secretary

By DU Beat October 26, 2025

DUSU Joint Secretary Deepika Jha allegedly slapped Professor Sujit Kumar at Dr. B.R.Ambedkar College, prompting outrage from teachers’ associations, police investigation, and a DU-appointed six-member committee to probe the assault.

On 16th October, Deepika Jha, the Joint Secretary of DUSU (Delhi University Students’ Union) of the current term, was seen slapping Professor Sujit Kumar, a senior teacher of Bhim Rao Ambedkar College of Delhi University. The incident occurred at the principal’s office in the presence of the police.

Professor V.S. Negi, the President of DUTA, in his letter requesting a General Body Meeting after the autumn vacation, stated that,

This incident has rattled the entire university and is an assault on the dignity of teachers and other stakeholders of the teaching-learning process in Delhi University. Teachers from across the country too have expressed their shock and indignation.

The letter further stated that DUTA’s effort to call for a flash protest on the 17th is simply not enough, in addition to the lack of a public addressing system.

Several organisations, including the Common Teachers’ Front, Democratic Teachers’ Front, Democratic Teachers’ Initiative, INTEC (I), Rashtriya Shiksha Morcha, and Samajwadi Shikshak Manch, have come together to demand a DUTA GBM on the 16th October physical assault on teachers.

The letter further stated,

It is shocking that the perpetrators of this act of violence are acting with total impunity. Encouraged by the fact that no action has been taken against them, they are making public statements maligning the teachers and creating a false narrative of the incident. Meanwhile, the affected teachers wait for justice.

The letter saw signatories from various organisations, including the Common Teachers’ Forum (CTF), Democratic Teachers’ Front (DTF), Delhi Teachers’ Initiative (DTI), Rashtriya Shiksha Morcha (RSM), and Samajwadi Shikshak Manch (SSM).

A senior police officer confirmed that a complaint has been received and the matter is under investigation.

We received the complaint late in the evening. The video has been seen by investigators. They are obtaining CCTV footage now. The matter is being enquired into.

The University of Delhi has formed a six-member inquiry committee to investigate the alleged assault. The committee will be chaired by Professor Neeta Sehgal of the Department of Zoology. Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh said the panel has been directed to submit its report within two weeks. Other members of the committee include Professor Jyoti Trehan Sharma, Joint Proctor (Member Secretary); Professor Rama, Principal of Hansraj College; Professor Swati Diwakar from Environmental Studies; Professor Darvinder Kumar, Principal of PGDAV College; and Awadhesh Kumar, Joint Proctor

Image Credits- The Indian Express

Also Read – Crisis Erupts at SAU: Students Protest After Alleged Gang Rape

Divyanshi Dusad
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