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Jamia Students Allegedly Assaulted, Hunger Strikers Evicted in Pre-Dawn Operation Amid Student Union Protests

By DU Beat October 18, 2026

Protesters from Jamia Millia Islamia fighting for the establishment of student unions were allegedly manhandled and forcibly evicted at dawn time before being taken into custody following fresh protests at the same university.

An early morning operation at the Jamia Millia Islamia University on Saturday, October 17, witnessed students on hunger strike being forcefully evicted from the protest site by security officials of the university, before police arrest during the protests at the university.

As per The New Indian Express, security personnel arrived at about 5.30 am at the protest site near Gate Number Seven. Allegations from the students were that about 60 security guards, along with the chief proctor and the security advisor of the university, forcibly removed the students’ setup and protesters from the campus.

The students alleged that the eviction exercise involved physical assault and injuries to some protesters. One of the protesters on hunger strike, Ebin Basil, reportedly told The New Indian Express that he was physically assaulted during the eviction. The other hunger striker, Jasim Khan, who started hunger strike on October 12, was reportedly hospitalized.

This incident further sparked more demonstrations, as the students protested against the way in which the hunger strikers were being treated. As per ThePrint, several students were detained when protesters made their way into the university through Gate No. 7. It is reported that those students who were detained were released after around an hour.

The detentions have caused further complications in the case of the protest, as the student organizations questioned the application of force by police. The All India Students’ Association (AISA) called for an investigation regarding the assault on the students and demanded that the chief proctor of the university Asad Malik resign.

However, the administration of the university stated that the security officials of the university used force in self-defense as per The Times of India. In light of conflicting statements from the administration and the students, it is unclear whether any action will be taken against the force used against students.

Image Credits: The New Indian Express

Aeera Aroush Khan

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DUSU Office Bearers to Spearhead Delhi University’s ‘Drug- Free Campus Campaign’

By DU Beat October 17, 2026

Newly elected DUSU office-bearers met DU Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh to discuss wellness centres, women’s safety, hostel facilities and the university’s drug-free campaign.

The newly elected DUSU office-bearers met the Delhi University Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh on Friday, 16th of October, for a meeting concerning the 2026-27 academic session. The key agenda items included the establishment of wellness centres across DU colleges, with a focus on strengthening women’s safety and improving hostel facilities.

At the meeting, Yogesh Singh congratulated the members on their victory and emphasized that the university belongs to everyone and called for collective efforts to address students’ concerns and advance the institution. He urged them to lead the Delhi University’s ‘Drug- free campus campaign’. He proposed setting up committees and appointing ambassadors in every college and department to facilitate its implementation.

The meeting was attended by DUSU President Yash Dabas, Vice-President Deepanshu Shokeen and Secretary Riya Chhawdi, who assured the Vice Chancellor of their constructive cooperation with the University administration in the interest of the students. Senior University officials, including Dean of Colleges Balaram Pani, Registrar Vikas Gupta, Dean of Students’ Welfare Ranjan Kumar Tripathi and Proctor Manoj Kumar, were also present. Chairperson of the Cultural Council Anoop Lather and DUSU Advisor Surendra Kumar attended the meeting as well.

Singh emphasised his understanding of the challenges faced by students, stating that his own experience as a member of the student community makes him particularly empathetic towards their concerns. He further affirmed that the DUSU administration remains committed to finding suitable solutions to these issues.

Regarding the concerns related to hostels, the Vice-Chancellor informed the student representatives that the university is working on it in “mission mode” and 2-3 new hostels are expected to be ready this year. He also reiterated the administration’s commitment to ensuring a safe environment for female students. On mental health, Singh directed that a counsellor be appointed in every college and asked the DUSU representatives to identify institutions where the post had not been filled.

Ananya Chaturvedi

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Image Credits: Deepanshu Shokeen on X

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Petitions Challenging DU One-Year PG Admissions Approach the Delhi High Court

By DU Beat October 17, 2026

Petitions have approached the Delhi High Court over the University of Delhi’s (DU) admission policy for its 2026-27 one-year PG programs.

As reported by The New Indian Express, one of the primary issues raised in the petitions is the preference provided by the university to candidates with a four-year Honours degree over those with a general or programme degree. The petitioners have challenged the university’s admission policy under the Programme-Specific Eligibility (PSE) framework.

Under the PSE framework, candidates with a four-year Honours degree are placed in Priority 1 (P1). In contrast, candidates with a programme degree or general degree are placed in lower priority levels, i.e. P2, P3, or P4. The petitioners have raised concerns regarding fairness and transparency in the postgraduate admissions process.

There are other concerns raised by the petitioners that include lack of clear merit lists, inadequate information regarding seats available and uncertainty regarding the admission procedure. The candidates are anxious that a lack of further admission rounds could potentially result in a seat not being filled.

This dispute has also made its way to the courts through individual petitions. On 10 September 2026, the Delhi High Court recorded an order concerning the challenge to DU’s rules of admission, which include providing preferential treatment to four-year Honours graduates over students with four-year undergraduate degrees with a Major. The court issued notice to the university to respond, and the order did not determine the final validity of the policy.

This controversy has occurred while DU is in the process of adding one-year master’s programs to its existing two-year postgraduate programs as part of the implementation of the four-year undergraduate framework outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The official postgraduate admission portal of the university has information about the admission process and eligibility criteria for 2026-27.

The outcomes of these cases will be important for the students who are adjusting to the changed academic scenarios. The dispute goes beyond the length of a particular degree and addresses other important aspects such as merit, eligibility and equitable access to postgraduate education.

Image credits: India Today

Aeera Aroush Khan

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Ambedkar University, Delhi suspends 10 more students amidst a year of escalating unrest

By DU Beat October 16, 2026

Dr B.R. Ambedkar University, Delhi has suspended 10 students following an incident at its Kashmere Gate campus on October 13, the latest in a series of disciplinary actions since January that have drawn court intervention twice and continued student protests.

The roots of the ongoing developments at Ambedkar University, Delhi can be traced back to January, when an AISA-affiliated MA Global Studies student circulated an email criticising Vice-Chancellor Anu Singh Lather’s Republic Day speech. The university’s disciplinary committee found the student guilty of using “derogatory and disrespectful language” and issued a suspension order on 21 March, barring the student from campus for the 2025 winter semester. AISA called it political targeting and began protesting.

In early March, three more students from SFI were suspended after they issued a press statement linking a first-year student’s suicide attempt to bullying on campus. The university said the statement distorted facts and politicised a sensitive matter. SFI said the suspensions were an attempt to suppress dissent. AUD revoked those three suspensions in April after the Delhi High Court intervened, though students were directed not to participate in further protests related to the incident.

The protests did not stop. In the weeks that followed, the university banned demonstrations in its administrative area. SFI began an indefinite sit-in at the Kashmere Gate campus. During that protest, a student on hunger strike reportedly collapsed due to heat. Students also alleged that a university registrar attempted to drive through protesters, with one student’s neck reportedly coming within inches of the vehicle. The administration denied this, saying students had vandalised official vehicles and blocked university functioning.

On 13 October, another confrontation took place at the Kashmere Gate campus. The university reviewed CCTV footage and a preliminary report from the Proctorial Board and suspended 10 students, including elected student representatives, citing alleged indiscipline, property damage and a scuffle with security personnel. The suspended students have been barred from campus but can appear for assessments this semester. AISA said the suspension letters were served without prior show-cause notices.

The Delhi High Court had previously set aside a separate AUD student suspension in March, observing that peaceful dissent cannot be restricted simply because it conflicts with management’s views. Whether the October suspensions face a similar legal challenge is yet to be seen.

Image Credit: The Indian Express

Abhishek Goverdhan
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DU plans portal to track students in PGs after Satya Niketan Collapse

By DU Beat October 16, 2026

Delhi University plans a portal to track PG accommodation details and improve student housing safety following the Satya Niketan building collapse.

Delhi University (DU) is planning to develop a dedicated portal to collect information about students living in paying guest (PG) accommodations, including rent, facilities and living conditions. The move comes weeks after a five-storey building in Satya Niketan collapsed on September 6, killing seven people, including DU students, and leaving five others injured.

According to a report by Hindustan Times published on October 16, the portal will allow students to register their accommodation details and requirements. The university plans to use this information to coordinate with authorities, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), and develop safety standards for PG operators through a memorandum of understanding (MoU).

An eight-member committee was constituted on September 9 following the collapse to examine student accommodation near the university and its colleges. Professor KP Singh, a committee member and head of DU’s Postgraduate Men’s Hostel, told Hindustan Times that while the university maintains records of students living in hostels, similar information about those staying in private PGs is not readily available. The committee plans to collect details about students’ locations, rent and living conditions before consulting relevant authorities on a standard operating procedure (SOP).

Separately, the Delhi government is developing a centralised portal to map student accommodation across the capital. A report by The Indian Express published on October 9 said a high-powered committee chaired by Education Minister Ashish Sood had formed a sub-committee to examine regulatory restrictions affecting PG facilities under the Master Plan for Delhi and the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957.

The government has also proposed joint inspections of 100 PG facilities by the MCD and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA). Other proposed measures include CCTV coverage at entry and exit points and common areas, with 40–45 days of recording backup, while keeping personal spaces private.

The committee has also proposed converting around 65 vacant Type-I employee flats at DU’s Reids Line and Dhaka campuses into student housing. Six renovated flats have already created space for approximately 25 students, with allotments expected to begin on November 1.

The recommendations and draft MoU are expected to be submitted within a month. However, the real challenge will lie in implementing these measures effectively and ensuring that students living in private PG accommodations have access to safer, affordable and better-regulated housing.

Image Credit: HT Digital

Manzil Chaudhary

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Delhi High Court Orders DU to Release Law Degree of Former DUSU President Ronak Khatri

By DU Beat October 16, 2026

The Delhi High Court order, made public on 12th October, ordered the release of the law degree of former DUSU Chief Ronak Khatri; however, it added that the University may file a suit to recover its legitimate dues.

In an order dated 30th September, made public on 12th October, the Delhi High Court directed Delhi University to release former DUSU Chief Ronak Khatri’s degree and academic records.

Justice Jasmeet Singh ruled, “The issuance of Degree and/or Marksheets cannot be withheld to enforce payment of dues unrelated to the academic course itself, absent clear statutory or regulatory authority permitting such withholding”. The non- release of Khatri’s degree and marksheets had prevented him from registering with the Bar Council of Delhi to practise as an advocate.

While the High Court has now ordered the release of Ronak Khatri’s law degree, it also added that the University may file a civil suit for recovery of its legitimate dues. Delhi University had cleared Khatri with no objection for academic dues, but had alleged that he owed over Rs 8 lakhs in non-academic dues.

Ronak Khatri, represented by senior advocate N Hariharan along with advocates Siddharth Yadav and Ratnesh Sharma, argued that the dues cited by DU were relating to booking of International Guest House of DU, which was done with the required approval and permission as the DUSU president.

The controversy surrounding the ex-DUSU chief’s ‘legal and legitimate dues’ had come to light in February 2026, when Khatri’s degree was withheld over unpaid bills amounting to over Rs. 8 lakhs incurred during his tenure as DUSU Chief from 2024-2025.

The former DUSU chief had been issued notices to clear the pending dues in November and December 2025. Ronak Khatri had challenged the University’s action before the Delhi High Court in February, arguing that the bookings were made in his official capacity as students union president and thus the expenditures were chargeable directly to student union funds rather than individual office-bearers.

The court order made public on 12th October allowed Khatri’s plea, recognising that DU had shown “no provision of law” wherein degrees can be withheld “for non-payment of the catering service and room booking charges”.

Image Credit: Instagram (ronak.khatrii)

Sahaj J
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Updates on the Ongoing Delhi School of Journalism (DSJ) Protest:

By DU Beat October 15, 2026

Prof. Rama Sharma takes charge as DSJ Director as students continue their indefinite protest demanding transparency and accountability

On 15 October, the University of Delhi appointed Professor Rama Sharma, Principal of Hansraj College, as the Director of the Delhi School of Journalism (DSJ) with immediate effect until further orders, in addition to her existing duties. The appointment comes amid an indefinite protest by DSJ students demanding the resignation of the now-former director of DSJ, OSD Sanjay Verma, and greater transparency in the enquiry process initiated by the DU administration.

Following the protest held at the Delhi School of Journalism (DSJ) on 8 October, students claim that they had been assured of a concrete decision and corrective intervention by 12 October. However, amid the administration’s failure to deliver on this assurance by the stipulated date, students began an indefinite protest outside Gate No. 4 of the Arts Faculty at Delhi University’s North Campus.

The protest began with spirited echoes of songs and slogans, and culminated in a peaceful demonstration outside the Arts Faculty by the end of the day. Students set up mattresses and other essentials at the site.

Twenty-four hours into the protest, police barricaded the area as students continued to express dissent.

When asked about their plan of action beyond the ongoing protest, a student representative said that they remained resolute in their demands and would continue to dissent until their concerns were heard and discussions initiated with the administration. While expressing disappointment with the DU administration, the representative maintained that the students would continue to place their faith in the institution, while expecting greater transparency and accountability in the process.

Image credit: DuBeat

Ananya Chaturvedi

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Hansraj Principal Prof. Rama appointed Director of Delhi School of Journalism

By DU Beat October 15, 2026

Hansraj College Principal Prof. Rama has been appointed Director of the Delhi School of Journalism, in addition to her duties.

The University of Delhi has appointed Professor Rama, Principal of Hansraj College, as Director of the Delhi School of Journalism (DSJ). The notification, dated 15 October 2026 and issued by the Establishment Branch, says the appointment is with immediate effect and until further orders. The appointment comes six days after DSJ students staged a walkout on 8 October during a weekly lecture series, demanding the resignation of OSD Dr. Sanjay Verma over alleged gender and caste discrimination. As Verma took the stage, students walked out, raised posters and slogans and then marched to the Vice-Chancellor’s office. However, the authorities declined to negotiate, and the lectures continued.

Prof. Rama, also referred to as Rama Sharma in some press reports, is a Hindi professor who joined Hansraj College as a lecturer in August 1991, according to her official academic profile. She became the officiating principal in 2015 and was formally appointed in September 2018. She was the first woman and the first member of the Hindi department to head the college.

Her academic background also includes training in journalism. According to her college profile, she holds a Bachelor of Journalism and Mass Communication from Kota Open University and a diploma in Hindi journalism. Press reports additionally list a diploma from the Indian Institute of Mass Communication and a PhD in journalism and magazine media from the University of Delhi. The Print reports that she worked for Doordarshan and Akashwani before joining Hansraj, and credits her as the author or editor of 31 books, several of them on mass media.

Hansraj College climbed to third place in the NIRF 2025 college rankings, a significant improvement from its 12th-place finish in 2024. The college attributed the rise to infrastructure upgrades and an improved student-teacher ratio. However in March, the DUSU Vice President alleged discrepancies in the data the college submitted which the college denied.

Her tenure has also drawn criticism from sections of students and faculty. The Print reports protests over a cow centre built in 2022, restrictions around the Confluence fest in April and the suspension of about 30 students afterwards, 19 of which had been revoked by early May. The Delhi High Court had also asked the college to explain how a private wedding was permitted on campus. Prof. Rama has however said that students’ complaints about undemocratic conduct are unfounded.

Image credit: Delhi University Official Website

Abhishek Goverdhan

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DUTA Calls for College-Level Dharna on October 15

By DU Beat October 15, 2026

Delhi University Teachers’ Association has called for a college-level dharna on October 15, pressing for dignity, fairness and better working conditions.

The Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) has called for a college-level dharna on October 15, 2026, asking teachers and college staff associations to come together over issues ranging from insecure employment to delays in promotions and faculty recruitment. The dharna, named “DUTA Ekjutta Dharna”, will take place across Delhi University colleges, with classes scheduled to remain suspended during the protest hours.

As per the notice issued by DUTA, day colleges will hold the dharna from 11 am to 2 pm, while protests at evening colleges are scheduled for 3:30 pm to 6:30 pm. Classes will remain suspended from 11 am in day colleges and 3:30 pm in evening colleges.

A major demand is the regularisation of long-serving ad hoc and temporary teachers in 12 Delhi government-funded colleges. The issue has been a recurring point of contention, with DUTA previously organising protests over delays in regularising teachers who have worked on temporary appointments for years. In its May 2026 announcement, the association called for regularisation in these colleges, highlighting the need to address prolonged employment uncertainty.

The demand has also received wider attention. A Careers360 report published by Press Trust of India in August 2026 reported that DUTA had warned of intensifying its agitation if the issue remained unresolved. The association has also called for the full counting of past service towards promotions, seeking recognition of the years teachers have already spent working in their institutions.

Other demands include the restoration of MPhil and PhD increments, filling vacant teaching positions and addressing recruitment backlogs. DUTA has also raised the issue of reservation in appointments to the post of principal in Delhi University colleges.

DUTA has also raised concerns over the criteria used to assess candidates for faculty appointments and promotions, particularly the role of peer-reviewed journals in the screening process. It has further demanded access to WUS Health Centre facilities for both teaching and non-teaching staff working in colleges.

With the October 15 dharna, teachers will take these concerns to their respective campuses, bringing attention to issues that have remained unresolved for years. From securing permanent positions to ensuring fair promotions and better staff facilities, the protest reflects DUTA’s push for changes in the working conditions of university employees.

Image Source: DU India

Manzil Chaudhary

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DU Extends Deadline for Financial Support Scheme 2026-27 to 23 October

By DU Beat October 14, 2026

The University of Delhi has extended the Financial Support Scheme deadline for 2026-27 to 23 October, giving students more time to submit applications and supporting documents.

During the last week of September, the University of Delhi, through the Office of the Dean of Students’ Welfare (DSW), solicited applications for the Financial Support Scheme (FSS) for the academic session 2026-27. The scheme provides fee assistance to full-time bona fide undergraduate and postgraduate students enrolled in DU departments, institutes, and centres, based on their annual family income.

Previously, the last date for submission was 13 October, but according to the latest notification, it has been revised to 23 October 2026. The revision gives eligible students additional time to submit their applications for financial assistance. The key dates are listed below:

EVENT	DATE
Online registration opened	24 September, 2026
Original last date to apply	13 October, 2026
Extension notice issued	12 October, 2026
Revised last date to apply	23 October, 2026

Students whose annual family income is up to ₹8 lakh are eligible to apply and are considered under two income categories specified by DU.

Students whose annual family income is up to ₹4 lakh fall under Category 1 and are eligible for a 100 per cent fee waiver, subject to a cap of ₹15,000 or the actual fee payable, whichever is lower. Those under Category 2, with family income between ₹4,00,001 and ₹8,00,000, are eligible for a 50 per cent waiver, capped at ₹10,000 or the actual fee payable, whichever is lower. In both categories, the waiver covers all fee components except examination and hostel fees. The categories are summarised below:

Annual Family Income	Waiver Percentage	Maximum Amount
₹ 0 to ₹ 4,00,000	100%	₹ 15,000
₹ 4,00,001 to ₹ 8,00,000	50%	₹ 10,000

Students must check the official DU notification carefully before applying, as eligibility varies across programmes and academic conditions. Certain categories of students are excluded from this scheme. They include students enrolled in DU’s constituent colleges, BTech programmes (excluding CIC), five-year integrated law programmes, the School of Open Learning and the Non-Collegiate Women’s Education Board. Students admitted under the Orphan Quota and students with benchmark disabilities (PwBD) are also ineligible, as they are already granted fee waivers at the time of admission. Students with Essential Repeat (ER) status in any previous examination are also ineligible to apply, irrespective of their previous academic records.

Students are also required to submit proper documents along with their applications. These include an EWS or OBC-NCL certificate or an annual family income certificate for the financial year 2025-26, issued by a competent authority. For economic acceptance, the latest Income Tax Returns (ITR) of both parents, if filed, of the father, mother, unmarried sisters, and unmarried brothers below 25 years of age, along with self-attested copies of their PAN cards.

Applicants must additionally furnish self-attested bank account details, either as a passbook copy or a cancelled cheque, with the student’s name, account number, and IFSC code clearly visible. Income certificates issued in the student’s own name will not be accepted.

After submitting the online application, students are required to hand in a printed copy of the filled form, along with all required documents, at the DSW office. The schedule for this offline submission will be announced on the DSW website. Physical verification of documents will continue at the DSW office. Students have been advised to check the DSW website regularly for updates and notifications, and to direct queries to [email protected].

Image Credits: Dean Students’ Welfare, University of Delhi

Rajarshi Ghosh

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