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Ransomware Group DYSPHOR1A Claims Hit on Delhi University

By DU Beat August 22, 2026

Ransomware group DYSPHOR1A reportedly listed DU as a victim on August 21, 2026; the claim is unverified, DU hasn’t commented, and the listing has since vanished from Ransomware.live’s tracker.

The University of Delhi (DU) has reportedly been hit by a ransomware group calling itself DYSPHOR1A, according to an incident report sourced from Ransomware.live via the cybersecurity platform HookPhish. The report dated the breach and its discovery to August 21, 2026, at 02:20 IST, and listed DU under the education sector in the India region.

The listing described DU using standard identifying details—its founding year, academic scope, and status as one of India’s most prominent public universities. Ransomware.live, which tracks postings by ransomware groups on leak sites, had flagged DYSPHOR1A as an “emerging group” at the time, cautioning that claims from newer threat actors should be treated with caution until independently verified.

The University of Delhi has not issued any statement confirming or denying the incident. Infosecurity Magazine’s July 2026 report pointed to a sharp rise in ransomware attacks on higher education globally in the first half of the year, driven in part by newer, less-established groups entering the space. Indian institutions have not been exempt from this trend, with several universities and research bodies appearing on leak-site trackers over the past year.

If confirmed, DU would be the latest in a string of Indian educational and research institutions targeted by ransomware groups this year, a trend consistent with a broader global rise in ransomware attacks on the higher education sector through 2026.

The original listing on Ransomware.live has since returned a “page not found” error, and DU no longer appears on the platform’s current list of Indian ransomware victims. The reason for its disappearance is unclear; it could indicate a retracted or unsubstantiated claim, a technical change on the tracker’s end, or another resolution, none of which can be confirmed at this time.

Image Source: ransomware.live

Image Caption: Screenshot from ransomware.live link, which originally targeted Delhi University

Sheetal Mishra
[email protected]

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sex amma

Sex Amma Is Back: Got Questions? Ask Away

By DU Beat August 22, 2026

My Dearest Kannas,

Look who has returned! After some well-deserved vacation, Sex Amma is back to her kunjungal, listening to your problems, giving you advice that you may or may not have asked for, and helping all you DU students on matters of sex, dating, intimacy and troublesome friends.

Some of you may remember me from the good old days of DU Beat, I do remember them very fondly myself. Every other week, one of you children would write to me with some fresh catastrophe, and I would sigh at the enormity of juvenile angst that I had bestowed upon myself. Ah, youth! What a time indeed. I have seen many things in my time, children. I have made questionable decisions myself. I, too, have loved people who loved themselves more, trusted people who should have been watched more carefully and once took advice from my own chechi-amma that I spent years pretending I had never followed! But this is how we learn, no? Having lived such an eventful life I have realised (and you must too, children) that experience is just embarrassment that, over time, becomes wisdom. And sometimes, kanna, you might want to look for straightforward answers when things might be much more complicated, or maybe at times you just need to realise that your partner is, in fact, an idiot.

So consider this our little secret for the questions that you’re not too sure who to ask, without having it be printed in tomorrow’s newspaper (see what I did there ;)), or questions that you’re too scared to ask Google da, I assure you child, Amma will listen, I will not judge you; although I do reserve the right to judge the person involved. I may give you some wisdom, and some pitāi; I may also occasionally tell you to stop being an ullu and go drink some water—that’s tough love, na? But I promise you to give an honest answer, even if it’s not the one you were hoping for.

So come on, my dear kunjungal, tell Amma all about your crushes, heartbreaks, your scandals, and…what’s that word? Ah, situationships, and all other things you children have made up despite having no idea what you are doing. Amma is waiting, Amma is listening.

Your favourite hot auntie,

Sex Amma

Write to Sex Amma at [email protected]

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News

Delhi University Allows 4-Year UG Graduates to Apply Directly for PhD

By DU Beat August 22, 2026

Delhi University introduces direct doctoral paths for the inaugural four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP) batch, 2026-27.

The University of Delhi has altered higher education pathways for its inaugural four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP) batch. According to a recent press release from the university, four-year graduates can now bypass a master’s degree altogether and apply directly for Ph.D. admissions for the 2026-27 academic session.

According to the press release issued on August 21, 2026, 75,948 students enrolled in the inaugural FYUP batch (2022-23) under the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF). Of the enrolled students, 40,005 opted to exit after their 3rd year, whereas 35,943 opted to continue into the optional 4th year to focus on research and internships.

In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 guidelines, the University of Delhi has updated its academic progression structure. With approval from the Academic Council and the Executive Council, Ordinance VI has been amended to establish a direct doctoral pathway for students after their undergraduate studies.

Through this, graduates of the four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP) batch can apply directly for their Ph.D degrees, bypassing the requirement for a master’s degree. For students to qualify for this path, they must achieve a minimum cumulative grade of 7.5 CGPA, while students belonging to the SC/ST category need to achieve 7.0 CGPA.

In conversation with TOI, DU Registrar Vikas Gupta said that the eligible students will still have to take an entrance examination, with the dates to be announced later. However, they will not be required to appear for an interview.

Gupta also added that this decision is restricted to the first FYUP batch because of the difficulties encountered during the rollout of the new undergraduate structure. “This will not be applicable for upcoming batches. The modalities will be decided later if the same has to be rolled out for other batches later,” he said.

Alongside the policy shifts, the university has also embedded application-based learning in the fourth year curriculum, requiring students to engage in hands-on learning through mandatory internships, skill-enhancement courses and real-time problem-solving projects. This curriculum shift aims to tackle real-world studies and research diversely and engagingly.

To support this, 25 DU colleges have established dedicated skill development centres backed by university funding to provide students with proper infrastructure. Additionally, student-led innovation and entrepreneurial ventures are actively fostered through the Udhmodya Foundation to provide students with meaningful industry exposure and advanced research skills.

This is introduced to bring research and entrepreneurship into undergraduate education to align Indian degrees with global standards and produce academically rigorous graduates.

Image Source: ANI on X

Vanshika U Singh

[email protected]

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DUB News

DUSU Poll Security Boost, DU Installs 600 CCTV Cameras

By DU Beat August 21, 2026

Ahead of the DUSU elections, Delhi University has tightened security, introducing stricter campaign regulations and deploying 600 CCTV cameras in coordination with Delhi Police.

University Proctor Manoj Kumar Singh and Delhi Police ACP Rajendra Prasad held a joint meeting to outline the security protocols that candidates and college administrations will be required to follow throughout the election period.

Among the key measures is the installation of around 600 CCTV cameras across the North Campus, South Campus, and Dhaka Hostel campus. The administration has also reiterated the strict enforcement of the Lyngdoh Committee guidelines, warning candidates and student groups that any violations could result in the cancellation of nominations or, in serious cases, the cancellation of the elections.

The printing of pamphlets and posters has been prohibited, with candidates instead encouraged to use handmade posters. Campaign material may only be displayed in designated areas, including the University’s “Wall of Democracy”. Additionally, all 54 colleges have been instructed to set up two 10×10-foot Walls of Democracy, one for DUSU election campaigning and another for college-level clubs and societies.

The University has also imposed limits on campaign teams, permitting no more than five students per team. In women’s colleges, only female campaigners will be permitted. The involvement of individuals who are not affiliated with the University has been strictly prohibited, and non-university members will not be allowed to enter the campus for campaigning.

Patrol teams have been deployed to inspect campaign vehicles for violations, including the use of tinted windows, improper parking, and the possession of narcotics or alcohol. Delhi Police personnel, supported by NCC and NSS volunteers, will be stationed across the University’s campuses in both uniform and plain clothes. Meanwhile, the Delhi Police Cyber Crime Cell has begun monitoring social media platforms to curb the spread of misinformation and misleading content during the election period.

Students have been urged to conduct their campaigns responsibly and in accordance with the prescribed guidelines to maintain harmony on campus and ensure the smooth conduct of the election process.

Vanshika U Singh

[email protected]

Image Credits: thepatriot.in

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Campus Central

Blind Law Student Pankaj Dhingra to Contest DUSU Polls, Puts Disability Representation in Focus

By DU Beat August 21, 2026

A visually impaired Campus Law Centre student is contesting the DUSU elections with AAP’s student wing ASAP, spotlighting representation for students with disabilities ahead of September polls.

A visually impaired law student at Delhi University’s Campus Law Centre has entered the race for the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections, bringing renewed attention to the question of disability representation in campus politics.

Pankaj Dhingra is campaigning under the Association of Students for Alternative Politics (ASAP), the student wing affiliated with the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), ahead of the DUSU polls scheduled for September 18. His decision to enter the fray has drawn attention on campus, given that DUSU elections have historically been contested almost entirely by able-bodied candidates from mainstream student outfits.

Dhingra’s campaign centres on the difficulties faced by students with disabilities in accessing academic opportunities and taking part fully in campus life, a concern ASAP says has long been sidelined in student politics. The group described his candidature as an attempt to widen the scope of campus democracy and create space for voices that are usually left out of the conversation.

ASAP said its larger campaign is built around what it terms alternative politics, an approach centred on the everyday concerns of ordinary students rather than conventional electoral messaging. The organisation maintained that students with disabilities should not be viewed only as beneficiaries of welfare schemes, but as capable of taking on leadership roles within the union. It added that the DUSU result should also be assessed by how fairly representation is spread across the student body.

The candidacy comes as Delhi University finalises arrangements for the 2026-27 DUSU polls. Nominations close on September 10, followed by scrutiny the same day, with withdrawal of candidature allowed until September 11. Voting takes place on September 18, and results are due on September 19. Prof. Raj Kishore Sharma has been named chief election officer, with Prof. Rajesh Singh as chief returning officer.

Image Source – Dainik Bhaskar

Kaustubh Dwivedi
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DUB News

INTEC Seeks DU Professor’s Expulsion Over Alleged Casteist Remarks

By DU Beat August 21, 2026

Delhi University professor Sangeet Ragi faces complaints from INTEC and a Congress functionary over remarks linking “Dalit mentality” with slavery during a television debate.

A complaint has been filed against Delhi University Political Science professor Sangeet Ragi over remarks he made during a television debate, with the Indian National Teachers’ Congress (INTEC) seeking disciplinary action, including his expulsion from the university.

The controversy arose during a debate in which a video featuring Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi and party president Mallikarjun Kharge was discussed. The video allegedly showed the singing of Vande Mataram being stopped midway to arrange a chair for Kharge.

Referring to the incident, Ragi said, “This is a mentality of slavery, this is a Dalit mentality.” Following objections from other participants, Ragi withdrew the statement but maintained that “Dalit” was not a community-related word and was instead a political term.

INTEC subsequently submitted a complaint to Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh, accusing Ragi of making derogatory remarks against the Dalit community. The teachers’ body described the remark as “deeply offensive and derogatory towards the Dalit community”, alleging that it “perpetuates harmful historical prejudices, promotes social division, and flies in the face of our constitutional values of equality, dignity, and social justice.” It has sought strict disciplinary action against Ragi in accordance with university rules and due process.

A separate complaint was also filed at the Parliament Street police station by Aditya Goswami, former media coordinator of the All India Congress Committee. The complaint seeks registration of an FIR under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

Goswami alleged that equating “Dalit mentality” with “slave mentality” amounted to an “intentional insult and humiliation” of a member of the Scheduled Caste community and sought immediate registration of an FIR, investigation into the matter, and preservation of the full video and related material.

The complaint comes amid renewed scrutiny of caste-related remarks in public discourse involving university academics. The allegations against Ragi remain subject to due process, and no disciplinary action has been announced by the university so far.

As of August 20, University officials had not publicly commented on the complaint or indicated whether any formal inquiry had been initiated.

Image Source: INTEC Facebook Page

Aarushi Chaubey
[email protected]

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Campus Central

26 U-SPL Bus Trips to Connect DU Campuses for Women

By DU Beat August 20, 2026

Delhi introduces 26 U-SPL women-only e-bus trips across 13 routes, connecting major DU colleges, aiming to make daily commutes safer for women students.

Delhi’s public transport network is set to get a women-focused expansion, with 56 dedicated women-only electric bus services being introduced across 28 routes. For Delhi University students, the move will bring University Ladies Special (U-SPL) services to several prominent colleges, including Hindu College, Ramjas College, Daulat Ram College, Shri Ram College of Commerce and Lady Shri Ram College.

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu flagged off 200 new electric buses on Wednesday. The rollout includes 30 Ladies Special trips across 15 high-demand routes and 26 U-SPL trips across 13 routes. The services are intended to connect residential areas with major educational and institutional hubs and will operate around morning and evening peak hours.

The U-SPL buses will provide dedicated services for women students travelling to and from their colleges. With DU students commuting from different parts of Delhi, the services could offer an additional option for those who depend on public transport for their daily journeys. The buses will carry distinctive stickers to help commuters identify the women-only services.

Transport Minister Pankaj Kumar Singh said the dedicated services had been planned around the daily travel requirements of working women and female students.The initiative follows directions issued after meetings on women’s safety held by the Lieutenant Governor with the Delhi Police Commissioner and Transport Secretary in June.

Safety measures on the buses will include the deployment of female police personnel and home guards. The services will also be operated by female staff. Panic buttons installed on the buses will be directly linked to the Delhi Police’s 112 emergency response system, allowing emergency alerts to reach the police control room.

For women students at DU, the initiative comes as commuting remains an important part of their everyday college experience. Students often travel long distances between residential areas, metro stations and campuses, with some also returning home late after classes, society meetings or other college activities. Dedicated services could provide greater convenience and a stronger sense of security during these journeys.

Image Source: News Arena India

Bishakha Gogoi

[email protected]

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Campus Central

SRCC and EY India Launch AI VIBE, a 12-Month Industry-Academia Programme for Students

By DU Beat August 19, 2026

Applications are open now for Shri Ram College of Commerce and EY India’s jointly launched 12-month programme combining AI training, industry mentorship and applied learning under the name AI VIBE

Shri Ram College of Commerce and Ernst & Young India announced the launch of AI VIBE (Varsity for Innovation, Business and Economics) on 17th August 2026. The 12-month programme aims to equip SRCC students with AI skills increasingly required in entry-level roles across industries and is being described by the organisers as a first-of-its-kind industry-academia initiative in India.

The programme is open to SRCC students from Semester 3 onwards and will admit candidates through a selective process involving a Statement of Purpose, an assessment, and an interview with Senior Management at EY. A maximum of 100 students will form the first cohort of the programme. The admission process commenced on 17th August 2026, Monday, and the deadline is scheduled for 23rd August 2026, Sunday. Once admitted, participants will be evaluated through continuous project-based assessments throughout the year, culminating in a final evaluation.

The curriculum is built around applied AI training, covering machine learning, Generative AI, AI agents, decision intelligence, data analytics, financial technologies, blockchain, responsible AI, and AI governance. Beyond technical training, the programme incorporates hackathons, mentoring sessions, and industry engagement designed to build business problem-solving capabilities alongside technical skills. Students will learn directly from AI specialists at EY India and other industry professionals.

Rajiv Memani, Regional Managing Partner of EY’s Africa-India region, said the programme was designed for students to build AI literacy as a foundational capability. “Through AI VIBE, we are helping shape the next generation of talent and leaders in India, beginning with SRCC, one of the country’s premier undergraduate institutions,” he said.

SRCC Principal Prof. Simrit Kaur described the programme as a departure from traditional classroom instruction. “Through AI VIBE, SRCC and EY India are collaborating to create a new learning model that enables students to engage with real-world business challenges, industry practitioners and emerging technologies in a structured and meaningful way,” she said. The launch also coincides with SRCC’s centenary year.

The programme follows EY India’s existing efforts on AI skilling, including EY AI Varsity, which has trained roughly 50,000 employees. Further details on the AI VIBE admissions process are available on SRCC’s official notice portal. Further details on the evaluation of the programme are enlisted in this brochure.

Image Source: SRCC’s Website

Rishika Jain
[email protected]

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Campus Central

Ramjas Library Funds: Lakhs Left Unspent, Students Demand Answers

By DU Beat August 17, 2026

An RTI filed at Ramjas College reveals lakhs in library funds left unspent for 2025-26, including grants for visually challenged students, prompting student demands for a written explanation.

An RTI reply, dated March 25, 2026, and shared by student activists from Ramjas College on 6th August has surfaced questions over how the college library handled its 2025-26 budget, with several departmental grants, including one earmarked for visually challenged students, has been left completely unused.

According to the official response, Ramjas College’s Library Committee allocated a total of ₹18,73,562 for book purchases in the financial year 2025-26 (April 1, 2025 to the date of the application). Against this, actual expenditure was ₹16,26,635, which left roughly ₹2.47 lakh unspent. The reply also notes that no funds were allocated separately for journals or e-resources, since these are already accessible through the University of Delhi’s subscriptions.

The department-wise breakdown shows uneven utilisation. While departments like English, Hindi, and Economics recorded high book requisitions and near-full expenditure, others lagged sharply behind. The ₹16,822 allocated for Operations Research and the ₹5,000 UGC grant meant for visually challenged students both recorded zero requisitions and zero expenditure. Departments such as Botany, Political Science, Sanskrit, Statistics, and Music also showed notable gaps between funds allocated and funds actually spent.

The RTI response further states that unspent funds were not reallocated to other departments, and that the library does not hold a certified copy of the final conclusion page from its latest audit report, as required under the General Financial Rules, 2017.

In an Instagram post shared on August 6 by the student page @tejasva._, the account framed the findings as a matter of institutional accountability, writing that “the library isn’t just a room full of books” but central to student life on campus. The post calls on the administration to explain in writing why funds remained underutilised, why some grants saw no use at all, and why no audit report is on record.

As of publication, the Ramjas College administration has not issued a public response to the claims.

Aamna

Image Source: Ramjas College Website

Also Read: RTI reveals ₹1.83 Crore in Delhi Tourism Funds Spent on DU Bhajan Clubbing Events

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DUB News

CAG Report Exposes Financial Mismanagement Across Higher Education Institutions

By DU Beat August 17, 2026

A report from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) revealed mismanagement of funds, delayed projects and unapproved establishments, highlighting a lack of supervision from the University.

A searing report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) has revealed severe financial mismanagement across major higher education institutions, including Delhi University. The report highlights a ₹2.01 crore shortfall in fee collection, along with delayed projects and tens of crores wasted on unapproved initiatives.

Major DU colleges like Ram Lal Anand College, Shivaji College, and Shaheed Bhagat Singh (Evening) College failed to collect the University development fee of ₹600 per student, which had been increased from ₹300 in 2011, resulting in a shortfall of ₹2.01 crore.

All three colleges managed to collect some fees from students; Ram Lal Anand College collected fees only from first-year students, resulting in a shortfall of ₹71.99 lakh from 12,000 students. Shivaji College collected only ₹300 instead of the required ₹600 from students during the years 2012-13 to 2020-21, resulting in a shortfall of ₹99.49 lakh from 33,162 students. Lastly, Shaheed Bhagat Singh (Evening) College collected ₹300 until 2016-17, leading to a shortfall of ₹32.30 lakh.

The CAG report further discovered mismanagement in the way Ram Lal Anand College attempted to make up for the deficits. The college used funds intended for institutional and student welfare to settle UDF arrears. This reflected the weak monitoring of the University over the colleges.

In another finding of the CAG, it was found that a project for a new building was approved at Zakir Husain Delhi College in 2009 with an estimated cost of ₹33.40 crore. While this was revised multiple times, the building remained unused despite the expenditure reaching ₹78.12 crore by November 2022.

Construction began in 2017, years after the project was appointed due to administration issues, pending approvals, unauthorised construction, and poor inter-agency coordination. The college split the project into two separate packages without seeking fresh approvals and improperly utilised interest earned from grants to cover funding gaps. The structure has experienced persistent basement flooding and recurring cracks, so the formal handover is pending as of July 2025.

The reports also found an unauthorised expenditure of ₹3.20 crore by Gandhigram Rural Institute, Dindigul, on a centre in Delhi. The institute was established in 2017 without any approval from the UGC or the Ministry of Education.

Also Read: Maurice Nagar Police Station Crumbles; Is It Finally Time For A Renovation?

Image Source: Devansh for DU Beat

Vanshika U. Singh

[email protected]

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