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Campus Central

Opening of Delhi University’s New Veer Savarkar College Delayed

By DU Beat August 18, 2025

The Veer Savarkar College in Najafgarh, which was set to admit its first batch of students in the academic session 2025-26, has now been delayed by pending government approvals. The opening might be pushed back to next year if approvals are not cleared by this month.

DU’s newest college, being established after nearly 30 years, is facing delays pending financial clearance by the Education Ministry. According to an earlier announcement by Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh in March, the Veer Savarkar College was supposed to open admissions in the academic session of 2025-26.

Earlier this month, The Indian Express confirmed that DU officials intended to begin the admission process and start the session even 15 days late given the procedural delays were cleared. According to DU South Campus Director Rajni Abbi, the faculty and staff positions for the college had been sanctioned by the University Grants Commission earlier this year.

However, the college’s admissions may instead be pushed back to the 2026-27 session if the approval does not come through by the end of August, as DU’s admission cycle is set to conclude by August 19 and the university does not intend to hold separate admissions to the college.

This comes as a major setback to Delhi University’s initiative to meet Delhi’s rapidly growing demand for higher education. Veer Savarkar College was built at Roshanpura village, Najafgarh, at a cost of Rs 140 crore on land donated by the Gram Panchayat. Part of an Rs 600 crore expansion project, also including plans to develop DU’s East and West Campuses at Surajmal Vihar and Dwarka Sector 22, respectively.

The college, located close to DU’s West Campus, will include 24 classrooms, 8 tutorial rooms, 40 faculty rooms, department libraries, conference rooms and a canteen. For this academic session, two four-year undergraduate programmes with 60 seats, namely B.Sc. Computer Science and Bachelor of Business Administration, are planned to be started. The college will also follow the reservation policy of 2 seats in each course reserved for students from Roshanpura village, with one of these seats reserved for female students.

The college’s journey to opening has been rocky since the beginning. Earlier this year Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stones for the Veer Savarkar College, along with the academic blocks for DU’s East and West campuses, an event which stirred controversy among political groups given that the event was held ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections and that the college is named after Hindu Mahasabha leader V.D. Savarkar, a Hindu nationalist.

Even though this set of unexpected delays might cast some doubts, the future expansion plans of the university are in full throttle. Earlier in July, DU approved infrastructure development plans of Rs 1900 crore. Whether the plans stay on track remains to be seen.

Image Credits: Devesh for DU Beat

Mangalya Singh

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Features

Google to Equip Students of Delhi University for the Tech Age

By DU Beat August 18, 2025

Delhi University signed an MoU with Google Cloud aimed to train students in AI, data analytics, cyber security, and digital literacy.

The University of Delhi has entered into a multi-year partnership with Google Cloud to train students in some of the most in-demand skills of the 21st century, including artificial intelligence (AI), cloud computing, cybersecurity, data analytics, and digital literacy. The collaboration, announced on August 14, is being positioned as a step towards creating an academic environment that prepares students for technology-driven careers while also strengthening India’s digital ecosystem.

For one of India’s largest universities, with a student body running into lakhs across affiliated colleges and departments, the move marks a significant effort to match higher education with the demands of a rapidly evolving global workplace. At a time when technology has become central to almost every industry, the partnership is expected to provide Delhi University students with both the conceptual grounding and the hands-on exposure needed to remain competitive.

According to the official statement, the initiative will not only expose students to advanced tools but also provide practical training through certifications, mentorship, hackathons, and start-up incubation programmes. Google Workspace for Education will also be integrated into DU’s teaching framework to ensure students have access to collaborative digital platforms.

Dean of Colleges, Professor Balram Pani, described the collaboration as a landmark move for the university.

“Delhi University is the number one university in the country. This collaboration will benefit both Google and DU,”

Registrar Dr Vikas Gupta highlighted that the programme aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which stresses the need for digital literacy and employability-focused learning.

From the industry side, Google Cloud’s India Managing Director, Shashi Sreedharan, highlighted the transformative potential of the initiative.

“Technology is a powerful equalizer. It is vital that India’s next-generation talent is equipped with practical, future-ready skills,”

The announcement has also drawn attention to how global technology companies are increasingly partnering with Indian universities to nurture talent at the ground level. In DU’s case, the collaboration is likely to set a precedent for similar tie-ups.

While it promises to bring global-level training to one of India’s largest public universities, will all students benefit equally? The real challenge will lie in ensuring that these opportunities reach beyond the North and South Campus colleges to the far corners of the university.

Still, for many students, this partnership signals hope. In a world where job markets are constantly evolving, the chance to graduate with not only a degree but also industry-recognised certifications could make DU graduates more competitive.

Also Read: SBSC (Evening) Warns Against Loitering During Class Hours

Picture Credits: Delhi University

Juhi Bansal

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Campus Central

“Anti–Common Student Nature”: DUSU Election’s ₹1 Lakh Bond Rule Faces Student Backlash

By DU Beat August 17, 2025

As the much-anticipated DUSU elections dawn upon Delhi University, the administration’s decision to impose a mandatory ₹1 Lakh bond on contesting candidates has triggered a storm of protest. What the administration portrays as a measure of accountability is being widely condemned as a deliberate financial barrier that strikes right at the heart of campus democracy. For decades, DUSU has stood as a microcosm of Indian democracy, producing leaders who went on to shape national politics. By attaching a steep financial cost to participation, the administration risks rewriting that history.

The policy has ignited rare partnerships as long-time rival student organisations come together to protest. While major organisations like ABVP and NSUI have historically housed high-profile candidates and expensive campaigns, they, too, have accused the new policy of being undemocratic and regressive. NSUI President Varun Chaudhary termed it a ‘political weapon’ that works in favour of their adversary, ABVP.

Leftist student organisations like the Student Federation of India (SFI) also demand the withdrawal of the bond, describing it as “a regressive move that is nothing short of an elitist barrier designed to exclude ordinary students from democratic participation and stifle genuine student voices”. SFI calls out the university for their “anti–common student nature”, and highlights the growing concern over the integrity of free and fair student politics in India.

The imposition of this bond also raises much larger questions, especially those that target the identity of the university itself. The protesters claim that while administrations often justify restrictions in the name of discipline, the cumulative effect is a systematic narrowing of democratic participation. In an institution renowned for its inclusivity, the bond seems like a gatekeeping tool and risks silencing those very voices the union is meant to represent. Rather than strengthening electoral integrity, the bond tethers participation to monetary capacity, shrinking democracy to those who can afford it.

With the DUSU election process now officially announced for September, the ₹1 lakh bond feels like more than just a procedural rule. For many students, it seems like a statement of who is considered fit to participate in democracy and who is not. As the elections draw closer and the campaigns gather pace, the debate over the bond is likely to remain at the centre of campus politics.

Image Source: The Hindu

Navya Chandok
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DUB Speak

Opening of DU’s New Veer Savarkar College Delayed

By DU Beat August 16, 2025

The Veer Savarkar College in Najafgarh, which was set to admit its first batch of students in the academic session 2025-2,6 has now been delayed by pending government approvals. The opening might be pushed back to next year if approvals are not cleared by this month.

DU’s newest college being established after nearly 30 years, is facing delays pending financial clearance by the Education Ministry. According to an earlier announcement by Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh in March, the Veer Savarkar College was supposed to open admissions in the academic session of 2025-26.

Earlier this month, The Indian Express confirmed that DU officials intended to begin the admission process and start the session even 15 days late, given that the procedural delays were cleared. According to DU South Campus Director Rajni Abbi, the faculty and staff positions for the college had been sanctioned by the University Grants Commission earlier this year.

However, the college’s admissions may instead be pushed back to the 2026-27 session if the approval does not come through by the end of August, as DU’s admission cycle is set to conclude by August 19, and the University does not intend to hold separate admissions to the college.

This comes as a major setback to Delhi University’s initiative to meet Delhi’s rapidly growing demand for higher education. Veer Savarkar College was built at Roshanpura village, Najafgarh at a cost of Rs 140 crore on land donated by the Gram Panchayat. Part of a Rs 600 crore expansion project, also including plans to develop DU’s East and West Campuses at Surajmal Vihar and Dwarka Sector 22, respectively.

The college, located close to DU’s West Campus, will include 24 classrooms, 8 tutorial rooms, 40 faculty rooms, department libraries, conference rooms and a canteen. For this academic session, two four-year undergraduate programs with 60 seats, namely B.Sc Computer Science and Bachelor of Business Administration, are planned to be started. The college will also follow the reservation policy of 2 seats in each course reserved for students from Roshanpura village, with one of these seats reserved for female students.

The college’s journey to opening has been rocky since the beginning. Earlier this year Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation stones for the Veer Savarkar College, along with the academic blocks for DU’s East and West campuses, an event which stirred controversy among political groups given that the event was held ahead of the 2025 Delhi Assembly Elections, and that the college is named after Hindu Mahasabha leader V.D. Savarkar, a Hindu nationalist.

Even though this set of unexpected delays might cast some doubts, the future expansion plans of the University are in full throttle. Earlier in July, DU approved infrastructure development plans of Rs 1900 crore. Whether the plans stay on track remains to be seen.

Image Credits: Devesh for DU Beat

Mangalya Singh

[email protected]

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Campus Central

DU Weighs Changes to ₹1 Lakh Bond Rule Before Campus Polls

By DU Beat August 16, 2025

Delhi University (DU) is reconsidering its rule requiring candidates in the DU Students’ Union (DUSU) elections to submit a ₹1,00,000 bond. Introduced on August 8 as part of new poll guidelines to curb campus defacement ahead of the September elections, the rule forms part of a wider framework aligned with court orders and Lyngdoh Committee recommendations. These directives also mandate an anti-defacement affidavit, limit rallies and loudspeaker use, and impose penalties for violations. The bond requirement has drawn sharp criticism from student organisations, who say it imposes an unfair financial burden, especially on candidates from underprivileged backgrounds. A senior DU official told The Hindustan Times that the University is reviewing the provision in light of these objections.

According to the guidelines, “Each contesting candidate shall be required to execute a bond of Rs. 1.00 Lakh for the offence of any defacement/violation of provisions of these Guidelines by themselves or their supporters, at the time of filing nomination for any post of DUSU.”

Speaking to The Hindustan Times, Chief Election Officer Raj Kishore Sharma said that during a meeting with students and representatives of student organisations, participants expressed unwillingness to pay the bond. Following the discussion, the election office asked them to submit written representations to the university administration by August 16. The matter will be reviewed again before a final decision is taken.

The backdrop to these new regulations lies in the 2024 DUSU election, when widespread vandalism during campaigning led the Delhi High Court to intervene. As a result, vote counting was delayed by nearly two months, pending the removal of defaced property and its restoration.

Last week, university officials reaffirmed a zero-tolerance stance on defacement, limiting campaign materials to handmade posters, imposing expenditure limits, and promising to set up “walls of democracy” in colleges as approved spaces for election displays. They also agreed, following student suggestions, that these “walls” would be formally recommended for both college-level and university-wide elections.

Sharma further affirmed, “Following last year’s incidents, the university submitted a set of reform suggestions to the court aimed at preventing defacement this year, which included the ₹1,00,000 bond requirement. However, in view of the opposition from students, we have yet to take a final decision.”

The university has notified the schedule for this year’s elections—the DUSU elections will be held on September 18, with counting scheduled for September 19. The notification also sets September 10 as the deadline for filing nominations along with a ₹500 demand draft, affidavit, and ₹1 lakh bond, followed by scrutiny and the publication of nominated candidates the same day. The withdrawal deadline is September 11, after which the final list will be released. Voting will run from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. for day classes and 3 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. for evening classes.

With the deadline for filing nominations less than a month away, the fate of the ₹1 lakh bond provision remains uncertain. Student bodies await the administration’s final decision, which could determine whether the upcoming polls proceed under the contentious rule or with revised guidelines. For now, preparations for the September 18 elections continue under the shadow of last year’s controversies and the university’s push for cleaner, regulation-bound campaigning.

Image Credits: Deepanshi for DU Beat

Neeraja Unnikrishnan
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Campus Central

Water Logging Greets DU Students With Ankle-Deep Water on 14 August

By DU Beat August 15, 2025

On the morning of 14 August, Delhi saw heavy rainfall, causing waterlogging, leaked ceilings, broken panels, traffic around DU colleges and even a tragic death. Students faced difficulty in reaching colleges and even walking around campuses because of ankle-deep water flooding, affecting both the indoors and outdoors of college buildings.

Delhi-NCR witnessed heavy rains on Thursday, 14 August, causing waterlogging. Amidst the relentless downpour, one of the major victims of the waterlogging were DU colleges. Areas near colleges like Zakir Hussain College faced extreme waterlogging. Despite the installation of water pumps to drain the water, the area still remained jammed. The road near Shaheed Bhagat Singh College, Jesus and Mary Marg of JMC, Siri Fort Road of Gargi College was completely waterlogged, blocking the entrance. Delhi College of Arts and Commerce and Deshbandhu College had a similar fate, with water flooding up to students’ ankles and leaking ceilings in classrooms.

The Science Block (APJ Abdul Kalam Block) of Deshbandhu College was flooded with ankle-deep water despite being situated at a relatively elevated area from its surroundings. Indoor areas of the college weren’t spared from the rainfall’s wrath, leading to leaked ceilings and broken panels in some classrooms.

A student from Deshbandhu College said,

It took hours of continuous sweeping to get water out. The ceiling of certain classrooms in the Porta Block has broken panels, which allow water to enter the classrooms. The first bench of the entrance P-2 (Porta Block) was bathed in water.

The situation around Deshbandhu College even turned tragic, as due to heavy rainfall, a large tree fell on a bike in Kalkaji, killing a 50-year-old man and leaving his daughter fatally injured. Delhi College of Arts and Commerce likewise suffered because of water flooding. The ground floor of its old building was entirely filled with water, including the washrooms, canteen, classes, and open areas too. The main college campus was submerged in water above the ankles, and no precautions were taken to lessen the effects at the time. Jam-packed roads made it almost impossible for students to enter their college, let alone their classrooms.

Almost all colleges which were waterlogged in or around the campuses made travelling to and from colleges very time-consuming, difficult, and dangerous. Due to waterlogging, autos were charging way higher than usual, and while on the road, water entered even inside autos. Areas like Siri Fort Road near Gargi College were flooded to an extent where vehicles weren’t able to reach near the main college gate, leaving students stranded either far from college or at metro stations, with no help and cancellation of classes on the spot due to dangerous circumstances.

Eventually, as the weather worsened, the India Meteorological Department issued a red alert in some areas, the tragic Kalkaji accident becoming one of the prompting factors. The condition of Delhi and DU colleges in particular raised questions about drainage systems and the safety of students.

Featured Image Credits: Shazia for DU Beat

Umang

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Arts & Culture

DUSU And Central Council Elections 2025-2026: Official Timeline Announced

By DU Beat August 14, 2025

University of Delhi has revealed the official calendar for the election of office bearers of the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) and Central Council members for the academic session 2025-2026. The announcement marks the beginning of one of the most dynamic and politically vibrant seasons of the academic year, with the election process scheduled to take place in September.

The official notification issued by the Registrar sets 10th September, 2025, as the deadline for the submission of nomination papers, which must be filed by 3:00 p.m. and accompanied by a demand draft of Rs.500, alongside an affidavit, and a bond of Rs. 1 lakh. Scrutiny of nomination papers will take place the same day at 3:15 p.m., with the list of duly nominated candidates to be published at 6:00 p.m. For DUSU positions, nomination papers must be put in a sealed box located at the Office of the Chief Election Officer, Conference Centre, University of Delhi, North Campus. For Central Council elections, nominations must be filed with the respective college or department. Nomination forms can be accessed and downloaded from the official Delhi University Website.

Candidates who wish to withdraw their nominations must do so by 11th September, 2025, before noon. The final list of candidates running for office will be published later that day at 5:00 p.m. The polling day is set for 18th September, 2025, followed by the counting of votes which will take place the next day on Friday, 19th September, 2025.

The voting process will be conducted in two stages. Students enrolled in day classes will vote during the window of 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and those in evening classes must vote from 3:00 p.m until 7:30 p.m.

The notification further aligns itself with the Code of Conduct, DUSU Constitution, and court orders from the Supreme Court of India and the Delhi High Court. It reiterates that the procedure would be carried out in compliance with the Delhi Prevention of Defacement of Property Act (2007) and the National Green Tribunal guidelines.

With the schedule now in place, the university is set to witness a charged election season, as student organisations and candidates prepare to campaign for leadership positions in one of the country’s most closely watched student political arenas.

Image Credits: Sushil Kumar Verma

Navya Chandok
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Delhi College of Arts and Commerce

Daily Commute to DCAC in Crisis

By DU Beat August 10, 2025

The daily journey to Delhi College of Arts & Commerce (DCAC) is becoming harder, riskier, and more frustrating for students, as key roads around the college remain broken and unsafe. Despite these conditions being a long-standing problem, no steps have been taken by the relevant authorities to address them.

One of the latest disruptions is the digging of the lane leading to Mini Market, the only nearby eatery frequented by students. The path has been broken for the construction of a mall, leaving the area littered with debris and obstructing movement to the market which is a vital stop for students looking for affordable food options close to campus.

The road problems, however, extend far beyond Mini Market. The two main routes students take to college and back are in a poor state. The Metro route, popular because of its relatively short distance, is inconvenient to take as students walking or commuting along it face uneven surfaces that make it difficult to navigate, especially during the monsoon when potholes get filled with water. On top of this, the stretch is known for repeated incidents of catcalling and harassment, making it particularly unsafe for women students. Tinkle Singh, a second year student says:

We always have to walk in groups to the metro and taking an auto everyday is not financially viable. It’s not just the potholes, it’s also the stares and comments that make it unsafe.”

The only road between DCAC and ARD Complex, a key residential area where many students live, has also been in disrepair. Potholes, dust, and an uneven road surface have become part of the daily commute, affecting both pedestrians and those travelling by auto. Anjali, a third year student of DCAC and a residential of ARD says:

The street near the roundabout sees pathetic puddles and it is almost impossible to commute without an auto when it rains.”

Additionally the road has seen no significant repair work in almost 2 years, and with no proper footpaths or lighting, it poses safety risks at all hours. The problems are compounded by the lack of traffic regulation. Speeding vehicles are a common sight, and even the potholes acting as the speed breakers do little to slow them down.

Despite repeated inconveniences, there has been no sign of improvement from the civic authorities responsible for road maintenance. No repair work has been initiated, and no safety measures such as CCTV cameras or patrolling have been introduced on these paths. The only official action so far has come from the college itself, which issued a notice saying:

“Students who walk from Metro to College and College to Metro are hereby advised to travel in groups as a park, construction site and other isolated areas fall in the route.”

For students, this lack of response is not just an inconvenience – it is an everyday challenge that impacts their ability to attend classes safely and on time.

Picture Credits: Juhi Bansal for DU Beat

Juhi Bansal
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Also Read: AAP’s Revamped Student Wing Gears Up For DUSU Elections

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DUB News

Delhi University Earns an A++ NAAC Grade Upon the Second Round of Evaluation

By DU Beat August 9, 2025

Delhi University officially secures its position in the prestigious list of Higher Education Institutes of India by receiving the highest NAAC grade, ‘A++’, on 9th August, 2025.

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) recently bestowed upon Delhi University (DU) and Lucknow’s King George’s Medical University (KGMU) its highest accreditation grade of A++.

In the latest assessment, which was also the second cycle of evaluation, Delhi University was honoured with a CGPA of 3.55, reaffirming its position as one of the prominent institutions of the country. KGMU became the second medical institution in Uttar Pradesh to receive this excellence, earning a CGPA of 3.67.

In a public statement Delhi University proudly said,

This achievement reflects the collective dedication of our faculty, students, staff, alumni, and stakeholders.”

Before having received this certification, DU has had many of its individual institutions honoured with the same long before.

Shri Ram College of Commerce, the leading institution of DU was awarded with an A+ grade in the year 2016, with a CGPA of 3.65. In the second round of evaluation, it moved up to A++ accreditation with a CGPA rating of 3.75 now.

Two of Delhi University’s women colleges, namely Lady Shri Ram College and Miranda House have been awarded A++ in their second round of evaluation, with LSR bagging a CGPA of 3.75 in 2023. Similarly, Miranda House received the accreditation with a CGPA of 3.61. Joining the other acclaimed colleges, St. Stephens too received an accreditation of A++ in the year 2023 with a CGPA of 3.76 alongside Hansraj that bagged a grade of 3.71 CGPA. Other colleges like Ramjas, Kirori Mal, and Hindu also have an A+ grade conferred upon them.

The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) was established in 1994 by the University Grants Commission of India (UGC). It is an autonomous body that assesses and evaluates the quality status of a higher education institution and inspects the performance of the said educational body related to education, faculty, research, infrastructure, curriculum coverage, governance and much more. The council uses a seven-point grading system to evaluate colleges ranging from A++ to D. The accreditations are valid for a period of five years.

Although established in the year 1922, Delhi University received its first NAAC grade of A+ in the year 2018 with a CGPA of 3.28. The University worked its way up to the 6th position in the NIRF ranking amongst Universities in India and 15th position overall.

Image Source: DU Squad

Ananya Agarwal

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Admission Season

Delhi University UG Admissions: Mid-entry Registration Open Now

By DU Beat August 8, 2025

If you missed earlier rounds of DU admissions, the mid-entry window gives you another shot. Apply by August 10, update your preferences, and grab a seat in Round-III.

The University of Delhi (DU) is set to flag off the registration process for mid-entry undergraduate admissions on August 8th, 2025. According to the press release, the link to the application will be open by 5 PM, along with the display of vacant seats.

Through this provision, candidates who either failed to apply for CSAS UG 2025 Phase I and/or could not complete Phase II, and are desirous of participating in the admission process, can now participate. They can do so by paying a mid-entry fee of Rs. 1000, which is non-refundable.

Only candidates who were rejected in Round I or Round II due to incorrect subject mapping, unmet program-specific eligibility, or invalid documents can use the mid-entry option to correct their subject mapping and update their preferences. Candidates who have not been allotted any seat till Round II are also eligible to edit their preferences during this period.

The mid-entry window will remain open from 5:00 PM on Friday, August 8, 2025, to 4:59 PM on Sunday, August 10, 2025.

All candidates seeking consideration in Round III must carefully review the vacant seat matrix and submit their preferences within the above timeframe. Ensure that preferences are saved and submitted by 5:00 PM on Sunday, August 10, 2025, as only those will be considered for further seat allocation.

The third round allocations will be based on the data of candidates available as of 5:00 PM on Sunday, August 10, 2025, and the minimum allocation marks and ranks for this round will be entirely independent of those in the earlier rounds.

The third CSAS allocation, Round I of performance-based programs, and ward quota results will be published on August 13, 2025, while Round I results for CW, ECA, and sports categories will be announced on August 15, 2025.

Candidates can accept their allocated seats between August 13 and August 17, 2025, while colleges can verify and approve the online applications from August 13 to August 18, 2025. The last date for candidates to make the online fee payment is August 19, 2025.

The University has announced that this year’s undergraduate admission process will conclude by August 19, 2025. Candidates are advised to regularly monitor the official admissions portal for updates. Meanwhile, classes for the new academic session have already commenced, welcoming both first‑year students and those entering the fourth year of the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP).

Image Credits: Devesh for DU Beat

Neeraja Unnikrishnan

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