DU Archives - Page 2 of 72 - DU Beat - Delhi University's Independent Student Newspaper

Campus Central

Ramjas Library Funds: Lakhs Left Unspent, Students Demand Answers

By DU Beat August 17, 2026

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Aamna

Image Source: Ramjas College Website

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

Keep Reading

Campus Central

BCI Commands DU for Law Graduates’ Enrolment Despite Attendance Issues

By DU Beat August 14, 2026

The Bar Council of India directs DU and other law universities to enrol law graduates covered by the SC order despite attendance shortfall.

The Bar Council of India (BCI) has instructed the University of Delhi (DU) to process the enrolment applications of law graduates protected under a recent Supreme Court order, stating that applications should not be rejected or terminated solely on the ground of attendance deficiencies. The BCI has circulated the order to all State Bar Councils, recognised universities, and approved Centres of Legal Education for implementation during the 2026–27 academic session.

The order was issued by Justice Rajendra Menon, Co-Chairperson of the BCI’s Legal Education Committee. The Committee noted that the Supreme Court’s order of 21 July 2025 granted one-time protection to students whose academic sessions were in progress when the Delhi High Court delivered its judgment.

The decision comes against the backdrop of the CAP Round I option form deadline having been extended until 11 August. The BCI stated that an “immediate and exceptional arrangement” was necessary to ensure that eligible law colleges and students were not excluded by the time required to complete the statutory approval process.

Institutions must upload all required documents, furnish the prescribed information, and pay all applicable fees. The order states that failure to complete the process could result in the withholding, modification, suspension, or withdrawal of approval, along with further action in accordance with the law. The BCI has clarified that the current conditional approval neither waives nor regularises any pending approvals or financial liabilities relating to previous academic years.

The Supreme Court directed that students covered by its order should not be denied the opportunity to sit their final examinations solely because of attendance shortfalls. It also permitted those who were unable to appear, either wholly or partly, in their final examinations to sit supplementary examinations for the relevant academic session.

The BCI has further clarified that attendance shortages arising after enrolment with the Bar Council are not covered by the relief. The benefit is strictly confined to the students and academic sessions specified in the Supreme Court’s order of 21 July 2025 and does not extend to future admissions.

To qualify under the scheme, a candidate must have been admitted to a recognised LL.B. programme and permitted to sit the relevant final or supplementary examination. The candidate must also have successfully completed the LL.B. course and fulfilled all other statutory requirements for enrolment.

Rajarshi Ghosh

rajarshi.817@gmail.com

Image Credits – Lawstreet.com

Keep Reading

Uncategorized

DU Releases Third Round of UG CSAS Allocations

By DU Beat August 10, 2026

Close to 11,000 candidates accept their seats as Delhi University’s third round of UG CSAS allocations comes to an end.

The University of Delhi has released Round 3 seat allocations for undergraduate admissions under the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS) 2026-27.

The university reports that 10,680 candidates have been allotted seats across 956 programmes with available vacancies. Those who received a seat in this round have been asked to log in to their dashboards and accept their allotment.

The acceptance window closes at 11:59 pm on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, and candidates must complete the process before this deadline.

Allocation status can be checked by signing in to individual dashboards on DU’s official admissions portal.

As the admission process for this session comes to an end, the number of available seats in popular courses such as B.A. (Hons) in Political Science, History, Economics; B.Sc (Hons.) in Chemistry, Physics, Mathematics, and B.Com (Hons) are limited.

In the Unreserved (UR) category, the Average cut-off in the 3rd round ranges between 770 to 850 for the B.A. (Hons.) courses, 500 to 700 for the B.Sc. (Hons.) courses, and 850 to 900 for B.Com (Hons.)

The cut-off for the reserved categories (SC/ST/EWS/OBC-NCL, etc.) ranges similarly to the UR category, with a margin of 50 to 200 less.

The university has further directed candidates to check the admissions website for the list of Minimum Allocation Scores, along with other details concerning Round 3 of CSAS UG admissions.

Image Source: University of Delhi (via X)

Aridaman Singh

aridaman.work@gmail.com

Keep Reading

DUB News

Delhi Cabinet Approves Private University Bill, Proposes 25% Quota for Delhi Students

By DU Beat August 8, 2026

Delhi Cabinet clears Delhi Private University Bill, reserving 25% seats for Delhi students and introducing stricter regulatory, governance, infrastructure, and faculty norms.

The Delhi Cabinet has approved the Delhi Private University Bill, a proposed legislation that seeks to create a formal legal framework for establishing and regulating private universities in the national capital. The bill will take effect only after completing the required legislative process.

One of its most significant provisions is a 25% reservation for students from Delhi in every course offered by private universities. Admissions to these seats would be implemented in accordance with the existing reservation policy followed by the Delhi government.

The proposed law also lays down a comprehensive regulatory structure for admissions, infrastructure, faculty appointments, examinations, and university administration. According to reports, private universities would be required to comply with standards prescribed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) as well as other statutory bodies.

Another key feature is the unitary university model, under which private universities will not be allowed to affiliate colleges. However, they may establish additional campuses, regional centres, and study centres within Delhi.

The bill introduces strict eligibility conditions for organisations seeking to establish private universities. Sponsoring bodies must possess ownership or long-term lease rights over the required land for at least 30 years and ensure adequate academic infrastructure, including classrooms, laboratories, libraries, digital facilities, and student support services.

Faculty recruitment would have to follow UGC norms, while each university would be required to maintain a governance structure comprising offices such as Chancellor, Vice-Chancellor, Registrar, Controller of Finance, and Controller of Examinations.

The legislation also gives the Delhi government substantial oversight powers. The Higher Education Minister is proposed to serve as the Visitor of private universities, with authority to seek information, order inspections, and issue directions in cases of violations. Government representatives would also have a role in the universities’ management structure when matters involving the government are considered.

Education Minister Ashish Sood said the measure is intended to expand access to quality higher education within Delhi and reduce the need for students to move to neighbouring states or abroad for higher studies.

For a long time, there was a demand that private universities should be allowed to function in Delhi. The government is thinking of facilitating the operation of private universities in Delhi,”

the minister said.

The government has argued that Delhi currently lacks a dedicated law governing private universities and that the proposed Bill is intended to fill that regulatory gap while expanding higher education opportunities in the city.

Aarushi Chaubey

chaarushi2001@gmail.com

Keep Reading

DUB News

Maitreyi College Launches Inclusive Indoor Navigation System: SUGAM

By DU Beat July 27, 2026

Students of Maitreyi College develop SUGAM, an inclusive indoor navigation system for persons with disabilities.

Students of Maitreyi College have developed SUGAM (Smart Universal Guided Accessible Mobility), an indoor navigation system that empowers people with visual, hearing, and mobility impairments to move through buildings independently. Maitreyi College says SUGAM is the country’s first student-led indoor navigation system designed with inclusivity at its core.

According to the press statement, the app is intended to create a more inclusive campus by making navigation easier for persons with disabilities and supporting their participation in academic programmes, extracurricular activities, college fairs, and events.

The system provides voice-guided navigation for users with visual impairments, step-by-step route assistance for those with mobility challenges, and visual as well as vibration-based notifications for individuals with hearing impairments. It also features multilingual support, a digital pass for campus entry and events, and an audio signage system that enables users without smartphones or digital literacy to navigate buildings independently.

The launch ceremony was held at Maitreyi College Campus on 26th July,2026, as the college commenced its Diamond Jubilee celebrations. It was attended by Dr Mathew Varghese, who conceptualised the project; Prof. Haritima Chopra, Principal of Maitreyi College; Prof. Smriti Singh, the project lead; former NITI Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant, and the Registrar of the University of Delhi. At the launch, speakers described SUGAM as a home-grown innovation capable of transforming accessibility in hospitals, educational institutions, and commercial complexes.

The project was created through a collaborative effort involving students and faculty from the Departments of Computer Science, Physics, and Sociology. The college also credited CURE India, a nonprofit organisation working towards eradicating disabilities stemming from clubfoot across India; Dr. Prajwalit Shika, and Ameya Meattle, a Singapore-based high school student, for their contributions to the development of the audio signage feature.

Accessible navigation systems such as SUGAM address a significant gap in the design of public spaces, many of which are still difficult for persons with disabilities to navigate independently. While ramps, lifts, and tactile pathways improve physical access, navigating complex indoor environments often still requires assistance.

Digital accessibility tools can help by giving users real-time directions based on their needs, enabling them to move independently, participate more fully in education, employment, and public life, and depend less on others for assistance. As institutions increasingly adopt inclusive infrastructure, solutions like SUGAM show how technology can make public spaces easier and more accessible for everyone.

Image Source: Google Playstore

Bishakha Gogoi

bishakhagogoi39@gmail.com

Keep Reading

DUB News

DU Sets Up Anti-Ragging Control Rooms

By DU Beat July 21, 2026

Ahead of the 2026–27 academic session, DU has set up two joint control rooms, ordered bilingual anti-ragging banners, and directed colleges to strictly implement anti-ragging measures before classes begin on July 28.

The University of Delhi held an online meeting on July 20 with college principals, heads of departments, hostel authorities, DUSU office-bearers, and Delhi Police to finalise anti-ragging arrangements before the arrival of the new batch, in accordance with the academic calendar notified by the university. As part of the measures, DU will establish two joint control rooms – one each on the North and South Campuses – from July 28 to August 7, providing students and college authorities with a direct channel to report incidents of ragging.

The university has also directed colleges, departments, and hostels to install bilingual (English and Hindi) anti-ragging banners at strategic locations, prominently display rules prohibiting ragging, and restrict the entry of outsiders into their premises. Delhi Police will deploy women personnel in plain clothes both within university campuses and outside individual colleges. The university has also stated that women’s colleges will receive additional police assistance.

In line with the Supreme Court’s directions on ragging and UGC regulations, all incoming students and their parents or guardians must submit an anti-ragging undertaking through the UGC’s official anti-ragging portal at the time of admission. Colleges have further been instructed to strictly enforce Ordinances XV-B and XV-C of the University of Delhi, along with the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013.

These measures form part of the UGC Regulations on Curbing the Menace of Ragging in Higher Educational Institutions, 2009, which are mandatory for all higher educational institutions and were framed following Supreme Court directions on preventing ragging.

A comparison with previous years shows that the university’s anti-ragging framework has remained largely unchanged. In 2022, DU operated joint control rooms from November 2 to 11, along with NCC/NSS vigilance squads and police deployment outside colleges. In 2024, it issued an 11-point anti-ragging notification, set up control rooms from August 1 to 10, detailed disciplinary penalties, and observed Anti-Ragging Day on August 12. In 2025, the university retained the same structure, with control rooms functioning from August 1 to 8 and the addition of the Himmat app and campus security helpline numbers.

For 2026, the principal change is the timeline. The control rooms will operate from July 28 to August 7, with the existing anti-ragging framework brought forward to coincide with the earlier commencement of the academic session rather than introducing significant new structural measures.

Name: Arshia Sharma

Email- Sharmarshia08@gmail.com

Image credits: DuBeat

Keep Reading

Admissions

CSAS UG ADMISSIONS 2026: A COMPLETE TIMELINE EVERY DU ASPIRANT SHOULD KNOW

By DU Beat July 19, 2026

From first-round seat allocation to college verifications and spot rounds, here’s a comprehensive guide to Delhi University’s CSAS.

Every year, lakhs of students from across India set their sights on Delhi University, one of the country’s most reputed and competitive educational institutions. With admissions now conducted entirely through the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS) based on CUET-UG scores, understanding the admission calendar has become just as important as securing a good score.

The University of Delhi has officially released the CSAS (UG) 2026 schedule, outlining every major milestone – from seat allocation and document verification to fee payment and spot rounds. Now that the first-round seat allocation has been completed, here is a comprehensive breakdown of the next steps in the admission process.

1. First-Round Seat Allocation – July 16 (5:00 pm)

The first CSAS allocation list was released on July 16, marking the beginning of the formal admission process. Each candidate is allotted the highest possible programme-college combination based on their CUET scores, category, reservation, percentile, and the preference order submitted during CSAS registration.

Receiving a lower preference in the first round does not mark the end of the admission process. Candidates who accept their allotted seat can still opt for an upgrade and be considered for higher preferences in the subsequent rounds.

2. Acceptance of the Allocated Seat – July 16 to July 18

After receiving an allocation, candidates are required to accept their allotted seat within the prescribed deadline to continue with the admission process. Failure to do so can result in the automatic forfeiture of the seat, making the candidate ineligible to retain that allocation in subsequent rounds.

Seat acceptance, however, does not conclude the admission process. It simply initiates the document verification stage. Even candidates wishing to upgrade their seat must first accept their current allocation.

3. Online Document Verification and Approval by Colleges – July 16 to July 20 (11:59 pm)

Once a candidate accepts the allotted seat, the respective college examines the uploaded documents, verifies eligibility criteria, and confirms admission credentials.

Colleges retain the authority to raise queries or reject applications if discrepancies are found in the submitted documents or if the candidate fails to meet subject-specific eligibility requirements. The first round of online document verification and approval is completed during this period.

4. Online Payment of Admission Fees – July 21 (Till 11:59 pm)

Following successful document verification, candidates are required to pay the admission fee by July 21. Admission is considered officially confirmed only after the fee payment is completed.

Failure to pay the fee within the deadline results in cancellation of the allotted seat, irrespective of the verification status.

Furthermore, only after paying the admission fee do candidates become eligible to exercise the Freeze or Upgrade option for subsequent allocation rounds.

5. Second-Round Seat Allocation – July 25 (12 Noon)

Candidates who opted for an upgrade after confirming their admission become eligible for the second round of seat allocation. This round follows the same procedure as the first and includes the following stages:

Seat Acceptance: July 25 to July 26 (till 11:59 pm)
Online Document Verification and Approval by Colleges: July 25 to July 27 (till 11:59 pm)
Online Fee Payment: July 28 (till 11:59 pm)

These steps formally secure admission for candidates allotted seats in the second round and conclude the regular rounds of admission.

6. Mid-Entry Window

Candidates who failed to register during the original CSAS application window are not entirely excluded from the admission process. After the completion of the second allocation round, Delhi University released a Mid-Entry facility.

Applicants registering through this route become eligible only for seats that remain vacant after the regular rounds and are considered strictly based on merit and seat availability

7. Spot Admission Rounds

If vacancies remain after the regular allocation rounds, Delhi University conducts Spot Admission Rounds. Unlike the earlier rounds, candidates participating in Spot Admissions generally compete only for the seats displayed as vacant at that stage.

Spot rounds usually represent the final opportunity to secure admission for the academic session. Once these rounds conclude, the admission process for the academic year formally comes to an end.

With the release of Delhi University’s academic calendar, the new academic session is scheduled to commence on July 28, while additional allocation rounds and spot admissions may continue simultaneously. Students admitted in later rounds are expected to join classes as per the University’s guidelines without losing their admission rights.

The CSAS admission process, conducted based on CUET-UG scores, has been designed to ensure greater transparency, fairness, and flexibility in undergraduate admissions. Through upgrades, mid-entry, and spot admission rounds, candidates receive multiple opportunities to secure admission to one of India’s most prestigious universities.

For applicants, success during the admission season depends not only on a strong CUET score but also on staying informed, meeting deadlines, and taking timely action at every stage of the process.

Rajarshi Ghosh

rajarshi.817@gmail.com

Image Source: www.svpc.edu.in

Keep Reading

DUB News

DUSU 2026: DU Bans Printed Campaign Material, Caps Vehicles at Five Per Candidate

By DU Beat July 18, 2026

As DUSU elections approach, Delhi University has enforced a strict campaign code banning all printed materials and capping vehicles, with violations risking nomination cancellation.

With the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections approaching, the university has laid out firm rules for how candidates may campaign. The guidelines were reiterated at a meeting held on Thursday at the Proctor’s Office, where University Proctor Prof. Manoj Kumar Singh briefed DUSU office-bearers and student body representatives on the code of conduct, in accordance with directions from the Delhi High Court and the

Lyngdoh Committee.

The most visible restriction concerns campaign materials. Printed materials are completely banned. Candidates may put up only handmade posters, and only on the designated Wall of Democracy. Billboards, printed or digital, and banners suspended from poles are not permitted anywhere on or around campus.

Vehicle use during campaigning has also been capped. Each candidate is allowed a maximum of five cars. Tractors, JCBs, and animals are not permitted, and cars with tinted glass or missing number plates are strictly prohibited.

Freebies are out too. Distribution of gifts, souvenirs, canopies, umbrellas, or any promotional material bearing a candidate’s name has been banned. The university has made clear that if such material is found, the concerned candidate’s nomination will be cancelled.

Only five students will be allowed inside colleges for campaigning. In girls’ college hostels, only girls will be permitted to enter. Candidates wishing to hold public meetings on campus must inform the Proctor’s Office in advance.

The same protocols are to be communicated to all college authorities, while the 2026-27 Code of Conduct remains awaited.

Rishika Jain

rishikajain0811@gmail.com

Image Caption: The Wall of Democracy on the University of Delhi North Campus, the only designated space for campaign posters during DUSU elections.

Image Source: The Indian Express

Keep Reading

DUB News

CIC Directs DU to Consider Maintaining OCI Admission Records

By DU Beat July 16, 2026

The Central Information Commission (CIC) has recommended that the University of Delhi maintain records of foreign students admitted through Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, following concerns over the absence of such data despite its relevance to the university’s admission process.

Delhi University has long attracted students from across the world, offering opportunities to international applicants through its foreign admissions process. However, concerns have been raised over the university’s failure to maintain separate records of students admitted under the OCI category, affecting transparency and public access to information.

Information Commissioner Sudha Rani Relangi, in her order, observed that the non-maintenance of records relating to foreign students admitted through OCI cards, despite such information forming part of the university’s admission process, was a “matter of concern”.

The matter arose after Advocate Sanjukta Basu filed a Right to Information (RTI) application in May 2025 seeking details from Delhi University’s Central Public Information Officer (CPIO) regarding the number of foreign students who applied for admission between 2020 and 2024. The application also sought information on applicants who had applied as Indian citizens while availing the benefits of an OCI card rather than through the foreign student category.

In response, the CPIO stated that the request had been forwarded to the Dean, who was the deemed Public Information Officer under the RTI Act. However, as the required information had not yet been received from the Dean’s office, the appellant was advised to pursue the matter with the concerned authority.

Dissatisfied with the response, the appellant filed a first appeal. The First Appellate Authority directed the Dean (Foreign Students’ Registry) to provide the necessary information to the CPIO within two weeks. As the direction was not complied with, the appellant subsequently approached the CIC.

During the proceedings, it was argued that Delhi University’s admission application form provides an option for foreign applicants to seek admission under the OCI category by submitting either a foreign passport or an OCI card. The appellant contended that the existence of this option indicated that the university ought to possess the relevant data, despite the CPIO’s inability to provide it.

During the hearing, Delhi University informed the Commission that while it maintains overall statistics on foreign student admissions, it does not keep separate records of students admitted using OCI or Person of Indian Origin (PIO) cards. The university submitted that foreign applicants had generally been admitted based on their foreign passports and, consequently, no distinct database existed for OCI or PIO card holders.

Taking note of the matter, the Commission recommended that Delhi University maintain a public record of foreign students admitted through OCI cards in the interest of transparency and proactive disclosure under the RTI Act. The Commission further directed that its order be placed before the Vice-Chancellor of Delhi University for consideration and instructed the university to submit a compliance report on the recommendations within six weeks.

The recommendation is expected to strengthen transparency in Delhi University’s foreign admissions process by ensuring better record-keeping and improving public access to information, thereby promoting greater institutional accountability in line with the objectives of the RTI Act.

An Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card is issued to eligible foreign nationals of Indian origin, granting them lifelong visa-free travel to India and several benefits similar to those available to Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). However, an OCI card does not confer Indian citizenship, voting rights, or eligibility to hold constitutional or certain government offices. In university admissions, OCI card holders may be eligible to apply under specific admission categories, subject to the institution’s regulations.

RAJARSHI GHOSH

rajarshi.817@gmail.com

Image Source: Indian OCI – Gateway Visa

Keep Reading

DUB News

Delhi High Court seeks clarity on UNHCR status; Impleads Centre, MHA, MEA in Myanmar refugee’s DU admission plea

By DU Beat July 15, 2026

Delhi HC impleads the Union of India, MHA, and MEA in a Myanmar student’s plea against DU’s rule requiring foreign applicants to hold a non-Indian passport.

The Delhi High Court has widened a legal battle over Delhi University’s admission rules, bringing the central government into a case filed by a Myanmar national challenging DU’s insistence on holding a non-Indian passport for foreign student admissions.

Upon hearing the matter on Monday, the court added the Union of India, the Ministry of Home Affairs, and the Ministry of External Affairs as parties. Justice Jasmeet Singh asked the ministries to help clarify whether the petitioner qualifies as a UNHCR-recognised refugee or asylum seeker, and if so, whether he could still be admitted without a passport. The case returns to court on July 20.

The petition, moved by Henry Htoo Aung Lin through advocates Ashok Aggarwal and Kumar Utkarsh, challenges a clause in DU’s Foreign Students’ Registry Admission Bulletin making a valid non-Indian passport mandatory for undergraduate admission. It argues no recognised refugee can realistically meet this condition, since fleeing persecution rules out safely approaching one’s home government for travel documents.

Henry and his family left Myanmar in 2022 amid political unrest and fear of persecution, and have since lived in India under UNHCR protection, the plea states. After finishing school here, he applied to DU for the 2026-27 session through the foreign students’ quota in May, but was told his application was incomplete for lack of a passport; requests to submit UNHCR documentation instead were turned down.

The petition notes that DU’s own admissions bulletin lists a UNHCR Refugee Certificate as valid documentation, rendering the added passport requirement contradictory. It also cites Tibetan students, who may use alternative documents when passports are unavailable, arguing that denying similar flexibility to Myanmar refugees is discriminatory. The plea alleges a violation of Articles 14 and 21 of the Constitution and seeks either the striking down or relaxation of the clause.

The bench has questioned DU’s stance before. At an earlier hearing, the court reportedly asked how the university could expect a passport from someone with refugee status, before directing DU to seek instructions and adjourning the matter.

Henry completed Class X from the Mizoram Board of School Education and Class XII from the Meghalaya Board of School Education, and says his identity and academic record are verifiable through these boards and his UNHCR documentation.

Kaustubh Dwivedi

Dwivedikaustubh4@gmail.com

Keep Reading