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Admission Season

CUET UG 2026 to Begin in May, Announces NTA

By DU Beat April 9, 2026

The NTA has announced that the CUET UG examination will commence in May. Additionally, provisions have been made for students facing mismatches in identity documents.

The Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduate programmes (CUET UG) 2026 exam is scheduled to be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) from 11 May 2026 to 31 May 2026. Following this exam, admissions to undergraduate programmes at Delhi University are also expected to begin shortly after. CUET–UG 2026 application forms were available between 3 January and 4 February, with a correction window open from 23 February to 26 February.

As in the past four years, the University will carry out the admission process through its Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS) portal, which operates in multiple phases, the first one being student registration. Students’ admission largely depends on CUET results. Once the results are declared, students can apply for courses and colleges they prefer and are eligible for, based on subject mapping.

The Dean of Admissions, Haneet Gandhi, stated that the CSAS portal is likely to open around the third week of May, which is also when the CUET examination will take place. While the final details are still being worked out, the University aims to complete admissions promptly this time so that classes can begin at the earliest. Efforts will also be made to shorten the allocation periods, even if it requires adjusting each round by a day or two. Students have also been advised to choose those CUET subjects that they have studied in Class 12, as at least 50 per cent similarity is required for subject mapping, which is an essential part of the admission process.

In recent years, faculty members have raised concerns about delays in the admission process, following DU’s adoption of the CUET-based admission system and its impact on the academic calendar. To address this, the University is already working to make the CSAS portal more user-friendly by adding prompts and guidance to help students avoid mistakes during the application process.

In its latest notice dated 7 April, the NTA has also introduced a special verification window from 7 April to 10 April 2026, for candidates facing issues such as mismatched photographs or identity documents. Candidates facing such discrepancies are required to verify their identity by submitting a signed and attested certificate along with a recent photograph, having it attested by their school/college principal or a Gazetted Officer, and uploading it to the NTA website by 10 April.

The CUET, in its current form, was introduced in March 2022 for the academic year of 2022-23. Implemented by the NTA, it aimed to create a level playing field for admissions across all central universities (not just Delhi University), reducing the high cut-offs and over-reliance on board examination marks. It was a key reform under the NEP 2020, which also allowed students to appear for a single common entrance exam, instead of multiple university-specific exams. CUET is one of India’s largest entrance examinations, with more than 14 lakh applicants this year.

Image Source: Devesh for DU Beat

Nasheta Zaidi

[email protected]

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Campus Central

Gym Equipment at Hansraj Alters Student Experience

By DU Beat April 7, 2026

As fitness infrastructure expands on campus at Hansraj College, questions emerge around what is gained, and what is displaced.

The installation of open-air gym equipment at Hansraj College has reportedly altered the spatial dynamics of key student areas, including the LP (Lovers or Learners Point) and the space in front of Mitti Cafe. The installation process began early last week and was reported to have been completed on Sunday, April 5, 2026.

The setup includes equipment such as seated and standing twisters, sit-and-pull machines, a tai chi spinner, a smith machine, among others. The initiative appears to align with a broader institutional emphasis on student wellness. This follows the recent introduction of a “calorie menu” in the college canteen, suggesting a shift towards structured health-oriented interventions within campus spaces.

However, the installation has reportedly led to increased congestion in both locations. The LP, previously described by students as an open and relatively quiet space, has seen a visible reduction in free area due to the placement of large equipment. The space was reported to be significantly more crowded, with limited room for informal gatherings or movement.

Similarly, the area in front of Mitti Cafe has experienced increased footfall and reduced spatial comfort. Students suggested that the space now feels “suffocating”, indicating a shift from its earlier function as a relatively breathable and multipurpose area.

At the same time, the development has prompted responses on social media, where students have circulated memes reflecting their reactions. One such meme described the college as ‘Hansraj College now accepting admission applications from preschool to grade 6’. When asked about the new infrastructure, a student responded pointing to the apparent redundancy of the decision,

“We already had an open gym, if the objective was student welfare, this money could have been used to make our washrooms more accessible or actually provide resources to the 60+ societies they boast about”

While the initiative is positioned as promoting accessibility to fitness infrastructure, its placement in high-use social spaces has raised concerns.

Image Credits: Aaj Tak Campus

Suansh Dembla

[email protected]

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Around the Campus

Delhi University Celebrates Hanuman Janmotsav Sparking Debates

By DU Beat April 6, 2026

Saffron flags, chants, and a packed Sundar Kand, University of Delhi turned festive this Hanuman Janmotsav, as devotion met debate on what religion looks like in a “secular” campus.

On April 2, students from the Faculty of Law and Faculty of Arts at University of Delhi marked Hanuman Janmotsav with an unprecedented scale of participation and visibility on campus. The occasion witnessed extensive decorations, with saffron flags festooned across both faculties and along the main thoroughfares. Posters lined the stretch from the Faculty of Law to the Faculty of Arts, signaling what many described as the first such large-scale celebration of the festival within the university space.

The central event was held at the Hanuman Mandir near the Faculty of Arts, located just outside the Arts Faculty gate. Students gathered for a collective recitation of the Sundar Kand, a significant section of the Ramcharitmanas, followed by the distribution of prasad among attendees. The atmosphere remained devotional, with a steady turnout of students participating in the rituals and associated activities.

The scale and visibility of the celebration have sparked conversations about the place of religious expression within a public university setting. While for many participants the event represented cultural assertion and community bonding, others view such developments as raising important questions about maintaining the secular ethos traditionally associated with academic institutions like Delhi University.

Image Credits – DU Beat

Madhav Choudhary

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Around the Campus

Bomb Threat in DU’s Miranda House and Ramjas College; Campus Evacuated

By DU Beat April 6, 2026

DU Colleges, Miranda House and Ramjas College were promptly evacuated following an alleged bomb threat shared with the respective college administrations via email earlier on the 6th of April.

Around 12:30 PM on Monday, 6th April, students were hurriedly evacuated from the Miranda House and Ramjas College campus due to an alleged bomb threat received via email on the same day. The email allegedly claimed that a series of 13 bombs filled with toxic gases had been planted on the campus grounds, prompting immediate action and safety concerns from students, faculty, and staff.

Miranda House English Department’s annual literature festival was in full swing when the announcement for evacuation rang out, which was consequently cut short. Vendors and students who had set up stalls for the event, speakers and guests, including author Ria Chopra, and hostel students were asked to vacate the campus on an urgent basis. While the announcement stated that this exercise was a “mock drill” to avoid panic and chaos among the students, according to sources and official reports, there was a real threat email, prompting authorities to respond promptly.

A first-year student from Miranda House’s English department expressed,

For our department, at least, the council was really disappointed, and after it came to light that the authorities knew about it and didn’t inform us earlier, somewhat sabotaged the event.” She added that, on the other hand, being in such a prestigious college, such as Miranda, and believing that you are safe within the campus, yet something as dangerous and real as this happening was a scary experience.”

Another student explained,

We were in the middle of our fest, in fact, the speaker session with Ria Chopra was going on as we received this information [about the bomb threat], and this was being announced through loudspeakers throughout the college. Initially, we were not sure what was happening or if this was accurate information or irrelevant panic. All the stalls had to be packed up, and overall, it was unexpected and unnerving to be in that situation. It was also really problematic for the Lit Fest as well—a lot of losses for a lot of people involved in the event.”

In an interview with Hindustan Times, a student from Ramjas College reported official Whatsapp channels being flooded with images of bomb squads and police dogs across campus. Students who had already reached Vishwavidyalaya Metro Station on their way to Ramjas, informed that they were told to go back home by the authorities.

Following the evacuation, police, bomb squads, and sniffer dogs were deployed on the premises to investigate the validity of the threat. However, according to various news reports, despite an extensive search operation across the entire campus, no suspicious device or activity was discovered, implying that the bomb threat was a hoax. However, this is an ongoing investigation, and efforts are being made to trace the source of the email.

Manya Marwah

[email protected]

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Campus Central

What Happens When a Student Builds a Course That Didn’t Exist at DU?

By DU Beat March 8, 2026

Universities are full of courses. But when I looked around the University of Delhi, I realised something surprising: there was no structured self-defence course for students. Instead of accepting that gap, I decided to try something ambitious—build one.

On 4 February 2026, a group of students gathered at Jesus and Mary College for a self-defence training session. The session marked the launch of a university-approved self-defence certificate course I had spent more than a year conceptualising and developing. At first glance, it looked like any other skill-based class on campus. But what most people in that moment did not realise was that the course they were participating in had not existed anywhere within the framework of the University of Delhi just a year earlier.

The idea began with a simple question I could not ignore: what does Delhi University not yet have?

DU offers countless opportunities for students to lead, organise, and participate. There are societies dedicated to music, theatre, debating, entrepreneurship, consulting and almost every imaginable interest. Yet while exploring the ecosystem of student activities across different colleges, one gap stood out. There was no structured, skill-based self-defence training functioning as a formal course within the university system.

In a city where conversations about safety are constant, that absence felt striking.

More than a year ago, I began working on what I initially imagined was a self-defence society. But the idea quickly grew into something larger. Instead of creating another student organisation, I began developing what would eventually become a university-approved certificate course in self-defence, designed with a defined syllabus, duration, and institutional structure.

Turning that possibility into reality meant translating the idea into a structured and institutionally viable course. I developed the concept, designed its structure and syllabus, prepared the documentation required for institutional approval, and worked on several other aspects of building and sustaining the initiative that continue even today.

Before pursuing approvals, however, one question mattered more than anything else: would students actually want this? To find out, I circulated a student interest form more than a year ago. The response was immediate: over 100 students signed up. When registrations later opened for the official course, the number once again crossed 100.

Notably, this response came primarily from outreach among women students at Jesus and Mary College alone, suggesting how strong the demand could become as the course expands further across DU. The course runs for approximately two to three months, allowing students to engage with the training in a structured and sustained way.

The proposal then moved through multiple stages of review and coordination. It received approval from the principal of Jesus and Mary College, where the course is currently being conducted, and was subsequently approved by the University of Delhi under the Skill Development Cell. With these approvals, the self-defence certificate course I had developed finally moved from proposal to reality.

Transforming the concept into an operational course required sustained work, revisions, and coordination across different levels of the institution. To the best of my knowledge, this stands among the first instances of a student independently conceptualising and launching a university-approved certificate course within Delhi University.

In a university as large and layered as the University of Delhi, where most institutional courses are typically introduced through administrative channels, the possibility of a student initiating and building one from the ground up is relatively rare.

The course began with a pilot batch at Jesus and Mary College, with the long-term goal of expanding it across multiple colleges within DU so that more students can access structured self-defence training.

It integrates both practical and theoretical learning. Students undergo hands-on self-defence and martial arts training designed for real-life situations, while the theoretical component introduces legal awareness, protective laws, and psychological insights related to recognising vulnerability and potential threats. The aim of the training is not aggression but preparedness, which is equipping students with awareness, confidence, and the ability to respond when necessary.

The sessions are currently being conducted in collaboration with the Indian Army, whose involvement has brought discipline and technical expertise to the training. At the same time, the initiative remains open to collaborations with other institutions, organisations, and experts who share the goal of strengthening practical safety awareness among students.

The response from students has been overwhelmingly encouraging, with many participants even asking for longer sessions.

Watching students train in something that once existed only as an idea was a moment I still find difficult to fully describe. Standing there and seeing the sessions actually taking place felt almost unreal. For a brief moment, I genuinely could not believe what I was seeing, that something which had existed only as months of drafts, meetings, revisions, and persistent work had finally come to life in a real classroom.

It was also a reminder that universities are not only places where students participate in systems that already exist. They are also places where those systems can be created. I never set out simply to hold a title. I wanted to build something that would remain even after I graduate. Something different and not the usual. What began as a question has now become a functioning, university-recognised certificate course impacting more than a hundred students. Sometimes change in large institutions does not begin with policy or reform. Sometimes it begins with a student who simply refuses to believe that “this doesn’t exist yet” is a good enough reason for it to stay that way.

Tvisha Talwar

(3^rd year B.A. (Hons) Sociology student at Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi)

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Features

DU Beat 21 Under 21 Longlist

By DU Beat February 22, 2026

DU Beat 21Under21 Longlist 2025 is now live! 21Under21 is our annual initiative spotlighting 21 exceptional individuals under the age of 21 who are redefining achievement across the University of Delhi.

1. ACADEMICS

Abhay Pratap Singh

Abhay Pratap Singh is a final-year Bachelor of Management Studies student at Ramanujan College, University of Delhi, graduating in 2026 with a CGPA of 8.33/10 and perfect scores in major business subjects. He has interned with the Ministry of Panchayati Raj, Government of India; Tata Consumer Products; Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry; and Bajaj Capital. As Founding Vice President of the Global Scholars’ Society, he led global initiatives. A published researcher on sustainability, he applies Python, R, SQL, and Power Business Intelligence to solve business problems.

Arpita Felix

Raised in a military background, Arpita Felix embodies confidence, resilience, and discipline. An extroverted communicator, she excels in public speaking, debating, leadership, and content creation. Passionate about cinema and writing, she combines storytelling with philosophical reflection, often engaging in ethical debates. Known among peers for her academic strength, she balances intellectual depth with creativity and ambition, thriving in leadership spaces that demand authenticity and command.

Dhruv Gupta

Dhruv Gupta is a second-year Economics student at Shri Ram College of Commerce. He cleared Chartered Financial Analyst Level One with a score of 1860 out of 1900 and secured Rank One in the commerce stream in the Central Board of Secondary Education examinations with 99.2 percent. He secured AIR 7 (Mathematics Hons.), AIR 13 (BBA-FIA), and AIR 18 (Economics Hons.) in CUET 2024; AIR 414 and state rank 27 in CLAT 2024; AIR 874 in AILET 2024; and National Rank 1 in the National Finance Olympiad 2023. He researches heat-related risks in Bombay Stock Exchange 500 companies with an Indian Institute of Management Bangalore professor, runs Delhi University’s first running community, and actively debates. He is visually impaired.

Lalnundika Darlong

Lalnundika Darlong is a 2025 alumnus of Shri Ram College of Commerce. As Chief Secretary of The Placement Cell, he led 80+ members overseeing recruitment for more than 2,000+ students. He received the Hora Gold Medal from the Delhi Chief Minister and the College Principal for highest merit in leadership and organising ability. A National Winner of EY CAFTA and the Muthoot Case Quest, he interned at EY-Parthenon, International Business Machines, and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry. He also authored research on Artificial Intelligence and Corporate Governance and served as a United Nations Millennium Fellow leading projects on Sustainable Development Goals 3, 13, and 14.

Parv Agrawal

Parv Agrawal is a final-year Bachelor of Management Studies student at Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, University of Delhi, and a REX Karamveer Global Youth Fellowship Awardee. He secured Global Rank Four at the Emerging Markets Institute Corning Case Competition at Cornell University and achieved National Rank Three at Grant Thornton CaseQuest and the Institute of Management Accountants Student Case Competition. He worked at Takshashila Consulting and as Senior Associate at Impact Project, and is a Reliance Foundation Scholar.

Rucha Shah

Rucha Shah is an Economics undergraduate at Lady Shri Ram College for Women, University of Delhi, and a state topper in the Central Board of Secondary Education Class Twelve examinations. As President of Enactus Lady Shri Ram College, she leads social enterprises in sustainability, agri-technology, waste-to-value, and artisan livelihoods. She was selected as a DESIS FinSpire Fellow at D. E. Shaw and interned at Boston Consulting Group, emerging as a National Winner and receiving a Pre-Placement Offer from Delhi University’s inaugural cohort.

Sreya S Motti

Sreya S Motti is a fourth-year Humanities and Social Sciences student at the Cluster Innovation Centre, University of Delhi. Her interests include gender studies, human rights, and public policy. She has worked with government agencies, non-governmental organisations, startups, and cultural festivals, and researched gender vulnerability, walkability, and Self Help Groups. She guides students through an internship-focused social media platform and manages a community of over 1,300 students, while using storytelling and media for advocacy.

Srishti Chalana

Srishti Chalana has explored social media, operations, and digital marketing through internships at Cannibals Media Private Limited and The Aarambh Organization, affiliated with NITI Aayog. She completed job simulations with Deloitte, EY, JP Morgan Chase, and Tata. Actively mentoring peers on LinkedIn, she combines experimentation, ambition, and determination while guiding students navigating early career pathways.

Virat Vaibhav

Virat Vaibhav is a Bachelor of Management Studies student at Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies and founder of Sawaari H2H, pre-incubated within a Government of India-backed ecosystem. He represented India at the Emerging Markets Institute at Cornell University, securing the highest position achieved by an Indian undergraduate college. He earned National Rank Two at Ernst and Young’s CAFTA and Rank Three at Grant Thornton. His experience includes Ernst and Young, Invest India under the Ministry of AYUSH, Frost and Sullivan, Grant Thornton, Kroll, and startup projects.

2. Arts and Culture

Abhinav Dubey

Abhinav Dubey is a multidisciplinary creator blending art, performance, leadership, and digital storytelling. Through cultural societies, anchoring, fine arts, and public engagement, he combines creativity with leadership. His digital storytelling has reached over 1.4 million accounts, and he has collaborated with brands such as Philips, Rapido, and Cashify. As a Common University Entrance Test mentor and educational content creator on YouTube, he supports students navigating academic journeys with purpose-driven impact.

Ananya Arora

Ananya Arora is an Economics student at Lady Shri Ram College for Women and a Bharatanatyam dancer trained under Padma Shri Guru Kanaka Srinivasan. A recipient of the Centre for Cultural Resources and Training Scholarship from the Ministry of Culture, she has performed at Kalidasa Samaroh, Brahmotsavam in Tirupati, and presented her Arangetram at India Habitat Centre. In 2024, she represented India at the Indian Council for Cultural Relations Festival of Dance in the United Kingdom. She is Project Director at Enactus and founded Project Milan under the United Nations Millennium Fellowship. She has interned at Carnegie India and Nation with Namo and was a Top Fifteen finalist at Ernst and Young NextGen Women 2025.

Borishan Ghosh

Borishan Ghosh is a fourth-year Physics student at Hansraj College who bridges arts and sciences. He co-founded Delhizine, a student-run zine collective that has sold over 2,000 copies, raising Rs. 38,000 for free library projects and relief funds, with 1,600 active users across 26 countries. As illustrator and art director, he shaped over 50 zines and designed the website. A member of the Sky Watchers’ Association of North Bengal, he led telescope outreach and served as a weekly demonstrator under a National Aeronautics and Space Administration after-school initiative.

Navyasha

Navyasha is a Psychology undergraduate at Mata Sundri College for Women, University of Delhi, and a school topper with consistent academic excellence. She has trained in Hindustani classical vocal music for over seven years and has appeared for the Visharad Poorna examination from Gandharva Mahavidyalaya, the final level of the course, and is awaiting results. Her engagement with classical music reflects a deep commitment to understanding India’s musical traditions and cultural heritage.

Rinchan Lyall Robert

Rinchan Lyall Robert is a third-year English student at Jesus and Mary College, preparing for Journalism school. She co-founded Delhizine, overseeing editorial and production of over 2,000 zines that raised Rs. 38,000 for library projects and relief funds. Passionate about social work, she teaches underprivileged children and adults, serves as Vice President of Curiosus, the college Quiz Society, and actively engages in reading, sewing, and crochet.

Sohini Natta

Sohini Natta is an undergraduate at the University of Delhi trained in Indian Classical and Semi-Classical music. She later learned Korean Traditional Percussion Music and became the youngest member of India’s first official Samulnori team at seventeen. She has performed at national and international platforms, including a presidential-level event during India’s G20 Presidency. She has also worked with the Embassies of the Republic of Korea and France in India.

3. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY

Deepika

Deepika is a Bachelor of Science (Honours) Electronics student at Sri Venkateswara College, University of Delhi, with a strong interest in cybersecurity, technology, and leadership. She served as a Gurugram Police Cyber Security Summer Intern 2025, contributing to cybercrime awareness and digital safety initiatives. As President of the Electronics Department, she leads student activities and operations. She also serves as a Google Campus Ambassador, promoting student programs and strengthening campus engagement.

Sanjay Singh

Sanjay Singh is a Cybersecurity Evangelist based in Noida, specialising in vulnerability research and artificial intelligence-driven defence strategies. He has identified multiple Common Vulnerabilities and Exposures and actively contributes to information security awareness and education initiatives. With a strong leadership mindset, he works at the intersection of technology, risk, and innovation to build resilient and future-ready cyber ecosystems.

4.LITERATURE

Anya Rao

Anya Rao is an English Literature student at Lady Shri Ram College for Women who has grown an online community of over 90,000 across LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube through writing and storytelling. Alongside creative and socially conscious content, she works as a ghostwriter and personal branding strategist, helping Indian and international founders build influence through writing. She has collaborated with Shark Tank India companies such as Akanksha Vishnoi and YesMadam, as well as international founders including Mackenzie Thompson and Gradjobs Australia.

Avni Jain

Avni Jain is a writer, poet, and performance artist pursuing Bachelor of Science (Honours) Mathematics at Jesus and Mary College, University of Delhi. For over five years, she has blended literature, performance, and social impact, foregrounding unheard narratives. She has collaborated with professors affiliated with Harvard Business School, Imperial College London, and Northwestern University to advance women’s workforce participation. Avni has conducted spoken word workshops at Indian Institute of Technology Delhi and Birla Institute of Technology and Science Pilani, performed widely across Delhi, served as Vice President of her college Poetry Society, and runs a literary newsletter reviewing over 90+ books.

Md Salman Raquib

Md Salman Raquib is a Delhi University student and visual storyteller from Bihar, currently studying Spanish Literature at the Department of Germanic and Romance Studies. His photography documents everyday life, cultural memory, and social realities with sensitivity. His award-winning photo essay, magazine publications, and cover feature highlight both artistic skill and social awareness. Working across street photography and environmental themes, he uses images to explore identity, lived experience, and community connection.

Sayan Das

Sayan Das is a student at the Delhi School of Journalism, University of Delhi, and a literary thinker from Tripura who approaches literature as both art and responsibility. His work spans philosophy, research, poetry, and narrative prose, addressing overlooked social realities. He has been honoured by the Government of Tripura for research-based literary work on consumer protection and digital ethics, and has received multiple state and national poetry awards, including the Best Poet title at Yuva Utsav.

5.SPORTS

Bhavya Tripathi

Bhavya is a professional shotgun shooter representing the Indian shooting team, with multiple medals at both
international and national levels.

OM Kharola

OM Kharola is a nationally and internationally accomplished chess player who has combined elite sport with academic and professional excellence. He has won multiple State Chess Championship titles across Delhi and Maharashtra, represented India at the Asian Youth Chess Championship, securing team gold and individual bronze medals, and competed at the World Youth Chess Championship. A 2025 Bachelor of Management Studies graduate from Shaheed Sukhdev College of Business Studies, University of Delhi, he is currently an Analyst at L.E.K. Consulting, applying strategic and data-driven problem-solving skills shaped by competitive chess.

6.SOCIAL IMPACT AND ACTIVISM

Ananya Singhal

Ananya Singhal is a driven undergraduate with a strong record in leadership, entrepreneurship, and social impact. She has founded and scaled student- and community-led initiatives across India and internationally, mobilising teams, securing funding, and delivering measurable outcomes. As a founding member and Chief Operating Officer of an education technology startup, she led stakeholder engagement and fundraising. Through roles in consulting and media organisations and leadership positions in college societies and non-governmental organisations, she has managed cross-functional teams while maintaining consistent academic excellence and national-level achievements.

Anjali Batra

Anjali Batra is a postgraduate Political Science student at the University of Delhi working at the intersection of policy and lived experience. Within the United Nations Foundation’s Girl Up network, she designed campaigns on menstrual equity, mental health, and gender justice engaging over 500 participants. She founded Project Mehviyat, a trauma-informed community for survivors from South Asian households, and serves as Chief Impact Officer at The Human Empowerment Organisation. A United Nations Millennium Fellow and Global Youth Ambassador with Theirworld, she advances people-centered change.

Badal Chaudhary

Badal Chaudhary is a third-year student at Ramjas College, University of Delhi, recognised for innovative student leadership. Elected Joint Secretary of the Bachelor of Arts Programme Department in his first year, he later became the elected student representative to the Internal Complaints Committee. He founded Ramjas Kranti Setu, Delhi University’s first student grievance and helpdesk web portal with real-time issue tracking. His campaigns introduced eco-friendly seed cards, personalised fresher envelopes, guidebook-style pamphlets, and digital storytelling initiatives, redefining campus activism.

Ishpreet Kakkar

Ishpreet Kakkar is a fourth-year Political Science student with a minor in English at Lady Shri Ram College for Women. Guided by the value of selfless service, she began social outreach during the COVID-19 pandemic by distributing masks, sanitizers, and food. She later founded the Sachi Seva Foundation, providing free meals to those in need. Selected to represent India at the National University of Singapore, she won 5000 Singapore Dollars for her social entrepreneurship pitch focused on improving employability for orphaned youth under eighteen.

Jaya Paul

Jaya Paul is a final-year History student at Lady Shri Ram College for Women who bridges archival research with grassroots action. Guided by the college’s ethos of leadership and social responsibility, she works through platforms such as the National Service Scheme to foster inclusion and accessibility. Her writing connects historical structures to present policy and lived realities, aiming to influence discourse beyond classrooms. Calm yet bold, she combines academic rigour with empathy to advocate meaningful social transformation.

Niyamat Kochhar

Niyamat Kochhar works at the intersection of gender equity, sustainability, and education. She founded Menstra, addressing menstrual health, period poverty, and waste reduction, and HerCode, a United Nations-funded initiative equipping girls with coding and digital skills. She serves with United Nations Women on the Youth Steering Committee for the Commission on the Status of Women in New York and is one of ten global Girl Up Teen Advisors. Her work integrates grassroots action, policy engagement, and youth leadership.

Pari Malla

At nineteen, Pari Malla has channelled personal struggles into purpose-driven organisations rooted in community building. Her work focuses on forging connections through social networking to create ecosystems of safety and hopeful identity. Often described as a bridge in social spaces, she strives to make environments feel inclusive and supportive. Guided by a belief that hope combined with action makes change inevitable, Pari consistently ideates and executes initiatives grounded in collective empowerment.

Rucha Shah

Saloni Sharma

Saloni Sharma is a fourth-year Political Science student at Lady Shri Ram College for Women and founder of AICommons. A United Nations Millennium Fellow and former President of the English Debating Society, she approaches leadership through empathy and democratization. Through AICommons, she works to centre human dignity within technological futures, translating critical theory into actionable advocacy. Her work bridges technical systems and social justice, striving to build an inclusive digital future that serves all.

7.ENTREPRENEURSHIP AND INNOVATION

Akshat Kumar

Akshat Kumar is an 18-year-old second-year Bachelor of Technology student known for leadership and technical depth. A founding member of Geek Room, one of India’s largest student-led technology networks connecting over 150,000 developers, he has organised 30+ hackathons, including Code Kshetra 2.0, collaborating with Microsoft, Groq, and Mastercard. He has interned at Trae, OmniDimension (United States), and Misty Interactive (Canada). A national-level swimmer, he has represented Delhi at multiple championships.

Avishi Gupta

Avishi Gupta is a Commerce graduate from the University of Delhi and an Assurance and Audit Associate at Ernst and Young Global Delivery Services. Founder of Project Riayat, an adaptive clothing initiative for persons with disabilities, she led it from research to pilot within a year, building 12+ institutional collaborations and earning recognition in 25+ national competitions. As President of Enactus Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College, she led 150+ members. Her work has been featured by The Better India and Social Story.

Dhani Gupta

Dhani Gupta is a young entrepreneur and Founder and Chief Executive Officer of SkilltheHub India Limited Liability Partnership, training over 10,000 learners nationwide in entrepreneurship, business strategy, and leadership. She also leads The NAMAH Group, including NAMAH Model United Nations, engaging 400+ delegates across 20+ institutions. Her ventures include “Nani ki Chaupal.” With experience across startups, branding, programming, and classical dance, she has been recognised at national and international startup expos and youth leadership forums.

Nargis Parbin Barbhuiya

Nargis Parbin Barbhuiya is an Economics student at the University of Delhi with a strong interest in business and entrepreneurship. Originally from Assam, she founded and manages a handmade business on Instagram, overseeing branding, operations, and customer engagement. Her professional experiences have strengthened her skills in team coordination, client interaction, and people management. She thrives in fast-paced environments focused on innovation and aims to contribute to sustainable, impact-driven business ecosystems.

Shivalee Duara

Shivalee Duara is a final-year Economics student at Daulat Ram College and Founder of YIOS Consulting, a student-run consulting organisation that has worked with four startups. Passionate about entrepreneurship and trade economics, she has interned at the Indian Council for Research on International Economic Relations and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry, and assisted on a project funded by the Indian Council of Social Science Research. She also serves as Chairperson of Global Alliance for Environment and Education India under the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network.

Swonshutaa Dash

Swonshutaa Dash is a second-year English Honours student at Lady Shri Ram College, ranking third in her department. She has scaled a social enterprise built around elephant dung and developed nutraceutical solutions addressing anaemia. A national winner, including the Boston Consulting Group Bruce Henderson Ideathon and competitions at Shri Ram College of Commerce and Indian Institute of Management Indore, she generated ₹70,000+ revenue through Project Saarthi. Her campaigns reached 120,000+ accounts, including work for Blue Tokai Coffee Roasters, and have been featured in ThePrint and Youth Ki Awaaz.

Tamanna Gupta

Tamanna Gupta is an emerging consulting leader from Miranda House, where she founded and led the college’s first Consulting Forum. She built a 12+ project pipeline, launched a Consulting Festival, initiated a cross-campus mixer, and formalised collaborations with Indian Institute of Management Indore and Indian Institute of Technology Delhi. She led the creation of a 200-page Casebook used across 20+ institutions and competed in 150+ national case competitions. She is placed at Barclays as a Fraud Analyst.

Vinayak Sharma

Vinayak Sharma is a student entrepreneur working at the intersection of brands and students. After beginning college with limited technical exposure, he gained experience with Adidas, Lenskart, and Ogilvy, receiving Letters of Recommendation from each. He founded Zoffers, a student-first startup bridging brand and student needs. Recognised as a LinkedIn Top Voice in Business Strategy, he has been invited to speak at Punjab University and University of Delhi events on marketing and personal branding.

With 21 Under 21 we bring forth the young leaders, scholars, artists, athletes, activists, and entrepreneurs under 21 who are redefining excellence at the University of Delhi through innovation, impact, and ambition. More Details Coming Soon, Stay Tuned!

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Campus Central

DU Proctor Issues Month-Long Ban on Protests and Public Gatherings Across Campus

By DU Beat February 19, 2026

Delhi University has announced a month-long ban on protests and public gatherings across campus, citing concerns over safety and public order.

The University of Delhi has imposed a temporary prohibition on protests, demonstrations, and public gatherings across its campuses for a period of one month, according to an official order issued by the Office of the Proctor on February 17, 2026.

The circular, addressed to students, faculty members, and staff, states that all forms of public meetings, processions, rallies, dharnas, and demonstrations are “strictly prohibited” within university premises with immediate effect. The restriction will remain in force until March 17, 2026, unless withdrawn earlier.

According to the order, the decision was taken following inputs suggesting that unrestricted gatherings on campus could lead to traffic obstruction, threats to human life, and disturbances to public peace. The Proctor’s Office noted that in previous instances, protest organizers had allegedly failed to manage crowds effectively, leading to escalation and deterioration of law and order within university spaces.

The directive also references an order issued by the Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP), Civil Lines subdivision, under provisions linked to notifications by the Ministry of Home Affairs. These regulations extend the scope of restrictions to several specific activities.

Under the order, the assembly of five or more persons for protest-related purposes has been prohibited. The use or carrying of potentially hazardous materials, including mashals, beacons, or torches, has also been banned. Additionally, slogan shouting, public speeches, rallies, and any activity that could disrupt public tranquillity or impede the smooth flow of traffic are not permitted during the enforcement period.

University authorities justified the move as a preventive measure aimed at maintaining safety and ensuring normal academic functioning across campuses. The order emphasizes concerns over crowd management and the potential spread of unrest during large gatherings.

The circular has come into immediate effect from February 17, 2026, following approval from the competent authority, marking a significant temporary restriction on collective demonstrations within Delhi University campuses.

Image Credit: Devesh for DU Beat

Anjali Kumari Jha

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Water Hurled at S Irfan Habib During People’s Literature Festival

By DU Beat February 15, 2026

On 11th February, S Irfan Habib, a historian and a public intellectual, got attacked with a bucket filled with water being thrown at him. The incident occurred near Gate 4 of the Arts Faculty at the North Campus of Delhi University. The incident occurred at ‘People’s Literature Festival: Samta Utsav’, organised by the All India Students’ Association (AISA). Some faction of the student organisation believes that this attack was orchestrated by the members of Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) to sabotage the event.

The Literature Festival commenced with a session on ‘Caste in Society and University’, taken by Habib, who spoke on what AISA described as “attempts to rewrite history and marginalise discussions on caste within higher education”.

Professor Habib said,

The bucket did not hit me, but the water fell on me. I was overwhelmed for a few minutes—the bucket could have had anything, even stones.” He further added, “I have been to DU several times and spoken here, and this is the first time that something like this has happened to me. The past two years… things have changed drastically.”

To another source, he said,

I was invited to speak by the students. Some 200 students had gathered. I had just begun my address and spoken for about 20 minutes when suddenly water from a bucket was thrown from a wall behind me. For a few seconds I was unsettled, but then I continued. It is disturbing and shocking for me. Universities are places for diverse voices, which should be respected.”

AISA further made a public statement: “Despite a planned and violent attempt by the ABVP members to sabotage the event, the festival concluded as a massive success.”

Meanwhile, the authorities denied any such happening, “We have not received any complaints of any attacks or mischief on campus,” said Joint Proctor Manoj Singh.

This act of violence against Prof Habib is a testimony to the extent the academic atmosphere is vitiated in the University of Delhi at the behest of the University administration and the affiliates of the ruling party. The impunity of the action shows that the culprits have the protection of the University administration: hence all such acts of violence will go unpunished to encourage more such acts.

It is pertinent to mention here that the current DUSU Joint-Secretary was caught on camera assaulting a teacher in front of police and the college administration. She was allowed to walk free without any punishment and that incident encouraged more such acts of violence by the ruling dispensation. The violence against Prof Habib was pre-meditated as the University administration and the upper caste goons of the ruling party do not want the Rohith Act to be implemented across the country. This is in sync with the policy of NFS adopted by the University administration to deny livelihood to hundreds of teachers in the categories of SC/ST/OBC as an illustration of its caste prejudice,” Rudrashish Chakraborty, Associate Professor at Kirori Mal College and Treasurer of DTF remarked.

Sharply critiquing the attack, CPI General Secretary D Raja said,

This is not disagreement or debate; this is cowardly intimidation. Ideas must be fought with ideas, not with violence, threats or hooliganism. Such acts expose the deep insecurity of right-wing forces who fear free thinking and open discussion.”

He further added,

Because of their narrow and intolerant ideology, university spaces across the country are being turned hostile and inward-looking, where questioning and critical thought are attacked. There is no place for violence or intimidation in academic and public life.”

Read More: On Record with Anish Gawande

Image Credits- The Indian Express

Divyanshi Dusad

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DU Students Protest Fee Hike; AISA Submits Memorandum Seeking Immediate Rollback

By DU Beat January 28, 2026

Students of Delhi University, led by AISA, protest against the recent fee hike and submit a memorandum demanding its rollback, warning that rising costs threaten access to affordable public education.

Students at Delhi University, led by the All India Students’ Association (AISA), staged a protest on Thursday against what they described as an “arbitrary and repeated” increase in university fees, asserting that the hike will marginalise economically vulnerable students and make higher education less accessible.

The demonstration took place outside university premises after a recent notification from DU revised the university’s share in the consolidated fee from Rs 3,500 to Rs 4,100, marking an increase of more than 17 per cent within six months. This was the latest in a series of upward revisions, following a 20 per cent hike announced last year, and has triggered widespread concern among student groups.

Students participating in the protest chanted slogans and carried placards demanding a reversal of the fee increase. They argued that repeated hikes reflect a shift towards treating education as a paid service rather than as a guaranteed social right.

A delegation of protesters later met with officials from the office of the Dean of Students’ Welfare, where they submitted a memorandum seeking an immediate rollback of the latest fee increase. While the administration offered assurances during discussions, student leaders said similar responses had been given previously without yielding any substantive relief.

Sanatan, Vice-President of AISA DU, told The Hindustan Times that the administration’s handling of the fee structure signals a lack of commitment to inclusive education. He accused the university authorities of adopting a market-driven approach at the expense of students’ academic rights and welfare.

The issue of fee increases has emerged as a recurring flashpoint in student politics at DU. Critics of the hikes argue that they disproportionately affect students from marginalised communities and low-income families. They contend that incremental increases, especially within short time spans, exacerbate financial barriers to higher education and may deter prospective applicants.

DU’s administration has not yet issued a formal public statement addressing the protest or the demands made by student groups, including AISA. However, university officials are expected to review the memorandum and engage with student representatives in the coming days. Observers indicate that the administration will likely seek to balance financial sustainability with student welfare as discussions continue.

The protest underscores the ongoing tensions within Indian higher education institutions between student bodies advocating for equitable access and administrative decisions aimed at operational and infrastructural funding. As deliberations over the fee structure persist, students and campus organisations are monitoring developments closely.

Featured Image source – Devesh for DU Beat

Madhav Choudhary

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Delhi High Court directs DU to Release withheld Law Examination Results.

By DU Beat January 27, 2026

The Delhi High Court on 15th January passed a judgment requiring DU to release examination results for law students who have been detained due to a shortage of attendance, which reaffirms the decision in ‘Sushant Rohilla v. Bar Council of India’.

On 15th January, the Delhi High Court passed a judgment holding that Delhi University (DU) cannot withhold law results for lack of attendance, after a batch of writ petitions filed by final-year and senior-semester LL.B. students.

The case was between the students from Campus Law Centre (CLC) and other law centres of DU and the University of Delhi. The students who were unable to fulfil the attendance criteria were allowed to sit for their end-of-semester either provisionally or after interim relief, but had their results withheld. Effectively, this forced the students to reappear for their examination. Furthermore, according to ‘Bar and Bench’, the detainee list was released 3 days before the examination, where no monthly or aggregate attendance records were published.

The petitioners had argued that lack of attendance cannot be the reason to withhold results, citing the ‘Sushant Rohilla v. Bar Council of India.’ The petitioners further argued that the attendance data has been applied mechanically, which didn’t account for internships, competition or the abrupt last-minute cancellation of classes.

The defendants, on the other hand, argued that Rules 10 and 12 of the Bar Council of India (BCI) Rules of Legal Education, 2008 mandate a minimum attendance requirement, and students who fail to meet it cannot be allowed to take exams or have their results declared. Furthermore, the DU had held an internal inquiry on 22nd September, 2025, which recommended that the results of provisionally permitted students should not be declared, which has not been challenged by the petition. Lastly cited ‘University of Delhi & Ors vs Adarsh Raj Singh & Anr’ case, those who did not challenge their detention list or approach the court in time should not be entertained in court.

The court examined the claims made by both parties. Firstly, the court looked into whether mandatory physical attendance is a “non-negotiable component of the teaching and training of students of law.” The court answered that in the negative. Then, looking at the ‘Sushant Rohilla v. Bar Council of India’ case, it is clearly stated that, “No student enrolled in any recognised law college, University or institution in India shall be detained from taking examination or be prevented from further academic pursuits or career progression on the ground of lack of minimum attendance”

Further, the court observed that DU sought to justify its action by relying on Rules 10 and 12 of the BCI Rules; the legal position had been substantially clarified in ‘Sushant Rohilla v. Bar Council of India’. The court also rejected the University’s reliance on internal inquiry reports and undertakings obtained from students, by pointing out that undertakings could not override the law declared by a constitutional court. The court pointed out that the basis of detention was a shortage of attendance, which was held to be invalid; all consequential actions, including cancellation or non-declaration of results, could not survive.

The judgment affirms student rights within law education and takes a stand against the rigid enforcement of attendance norms, which does not take the ground reality into account.

Photo credits: Website of Delhi High Court

Reva Rawat

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