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DU Admit Cards released; Error shows paper type as “EXTCR”

By DU Beat May 7, 2026

After the release of admit cards following the continued confusion regarding the timetable for the upcoming May-June semester examinations, DU students now experience discrepancies in their admit cards as well.

On Tuesday, 5th May, Delhi University officially started rolling out verified admit cards for the upcoming semester-end examinations in May and June, which can be downloaded from the Samarth portal as usual. However, there is no doubt that the pre-examination air at Delhi University (DU) is always full of chaos, confusion, and more often than not, uncertainty.

Amidst constantly shifting examination dates, the perpetual stress that accompanies upcoming exams, and the Delhi heat beating down upon them, it is a tough time to be a student at DU. Further, many students are even facing issues with the recent rollout of the examination admit cards by the University administration.

Screenshot of a Delhi University admit card section showing “EXTCR” listed under the paper type column. — Students reported confusion after “EXTCR” appeared in place of usual paper categories

According to a post by DU Today, instead of the usual paper types (DSC, GE, AEC, SEC, VAC, etc.), many admit cards have the “EXTCR” category shown in the “Paper Type” column. For some, this is true for every course for which they will be giving the exam, and for others, this is true only partially. Students are unsure what this category truly implies and why the usual categories have been replaced in this manner. Some are concerned whether giving their final examinations will be affected in any manner due to such a change in their admit cards.

It is also highly probable that this occurrence is merely an administrative lapse or technical glitch and will soon be rectified. Students who are facing this discrepancy should consult their respective college administrative offices or faculty to understand the next steps to be taken, if any at all. Such technical glitches have been unfortunately common for quite some time now. Last year, some admit cards had allegedly shown “ER”, creating confusion and panic. Students had also faced other technical discrepancies, such as missing crucial information or unclear details mentioned on the card.

In addition to the above, many students’ admit cards have not yet been verified by their colleges despite there being an official statement stating that “all students can now download their admit cards.” Also, students enrolled in Delhi University’s School of Open Learning (SOL) have reportedly not received their hall tickets yet.

Image Source: Valuable-Drag-8111 on Reddit

Manya Marwah

[email protected]

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Campus Central

Delhi University Pushes One-Year PG Reform as Faculty Dissent Erupts Over Academic Impact and Curtailed Debate

By DU Beat April 22, 2026

Delhi University approves one-year PG courses, SWAYAM credit integration, and global semester exchange, but faculty dissent highlights concerns over academic impact, accessibility, and curtailed deliberative processes within the Academic Council.

The Academic Council of Delhi University approved the introduction of one-year postgraduate programmes in several departments; these courses will be integrated with the Postgraduate Curriculum Framework 2024 following the National Education Policy 2020.

The council also sanctioned guidelines which authorise students to earn up to 5% of their total credits through courses offered on SWAYAM and other MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) platforms. The guidelines generated criticisms:

The decision to proceed in a manner that curtailed debate and foreclosed meaningful engagement with dissenting views reflects a disregard for established democratic norms and collective decision-making,”

the note stated, as cited by PTI.

Monami Sinha, an elected Academic Council member, commented on the proceedings of the council by stating, ‘We were dissenting, and the meeting was abruptly ended.’ We have no clarity on what decision was finally taken.”

Registrar Vikas Gupta further added that the proposal had been passed and would be placed before the Executive Council of Delhi University and stated,

Teachers have dissented against the proposal. However, we are only suggesting introducing 5 per cent of total credits through the courses, and we should encourage students to learn from all types of portals that can contribute to their education.”

The Council also approved a proposal to introduce a ‘Semester Away Programme’ in ties with some foreign higher education institutions that remain undisclosed at the moment. The initiative will allow students to complete one semester abroad with adequate credits according to their respective degrees.

Additionally, the vice-chancellor directed departments to compile a list of the top 20 journals in their respective fields within 30 days.

He stated that departments should establish specific criteria for these journals and assign a point system to them. Based on this evaluation, a priority list of journals is to be prepared by assigning scores accordingly,”

a press statement issued after the meeting said, according to PTI.

Self-learning study material for School of Open Learning courses in line with the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework 2022 was also approved. Additionally, programmes including the Master of Journalism and Mass Communication at the Delhi School of Journalism, MSc Mathematics, and the second-semester curriculum for MA Hindi Journalism were cleared, along with courses in computer science and other subjects.

Image Credits: Devesh by DU Beat

Divyanshi Dusad

[email protected]

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Campus Central

Delhi University Releases Updated Tentative Datesheet; Examinations to Start from 16th May

By DU Beat April 16, 2026

Post multiple concerns raised by students and faculty, Delhi University released an updated tentative datesheet with examinations beginning from the 16th of May till mid-June.

On 16th April 2026, Delhi University released their updated tentative datesheet for the May-June 2026 Examinations with the date for examinations for the even semester starting from the 16th of May as specified initially in the DU Calendar for 2025-26.

This change in the timetable comes after repeated concerns raised by students with respect to the previously updated tentative date sheet shared by the University where examinations were set to begin from the 1st week of June for a majority of Honours courses across semesters. The non-adherence to the initially released DU Calendar for 2025-26, wherein holidays to begin from the 1st of June had been pushed to end of June in lieu of the released examination schedule, became a crucial point of contention amongst students. However, with the newly released tentative datesheet, a majority of students from the Honours course shall be able to avail their semester break from the second week of June itself.

According to the updated tentative datesheet, B.A. (Honours) and B.Sc (Honours) courses for Core Papers are to begin from 16th May for Semester VIII, 19th May for Semester VI, 28th May for Semester II, and 30th May for Semester IV. Ability Enhancement Courses are set to begin from the 11th of June till the 12th of June across Semester II and IV with Skill Enhancement Courses being conducted on 16th May for Semester VI, 26th May for Semester IV and 29th May for Semester II. General Elective papers across all disciplines shall be examined between 26th May to 10th June.

The updated timetable stands tentative and the University of Delhi has requested all discrepancies in the schedule to be sent across to their official email ID by the 21st of April, 5PM.

Image Credits: University of Delhi Website

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Daulat Ram College

Daulat Ram College Associate Professor, Jyoti Mahlawat Passes Away

By DU Beat April 12, 2026

Associate Professor, Jyoti Mahlawat of the Commerce Department of Daulat Ram College, unfortunately passed away on April 7, 2026, reportedly due to cancer.

On Tuesday, 7th April 2026, an Associate Professor, Jyoti Mahlawat of the Commerce Department of the Daulat Ram College passed away. COMNEUR, the Commerce Department of DRC announced her untimely demise through a LinkedIn post stating that

“Today, the Department mourns the heartbreaking loss of one of its youngest and most cherished faculty member Ms. Jyoti Mahlawat. Her untimely passing has left an irreplaceable loss in our academic family. She was not only a dedicated educator but also a kind soul whose warmth, humility, and passion for teaching touched the lives of everyone around her. Her presence brought positivity, her words inspired many, and her commitment to her students will always be remembered. Gone too soon, but never forgotten — her legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of those she guided and nurtured.”

A DRC student has informed DU Beat that her untimely demise was caused due to cancer. She stated,

“Yes, she was my teacher and it was so disheartening to hear about her sudden passing. I was so shocked when I heard about her death. She was such a happy and beautiful soul and it’s really hard to process what happened. She was always smiling and bringing smiles to others and carried so much strength within her. She had cancer yet she never told any of her students until the very end.”

Another student added,

“As our principal said during her prayer meet at the college, she always wished to return as soon as she recovered but life had different plans for her. She had achieved so much at such a young age.”

The Department of Financial Studies, University of Delhi wrote on LinkedIn, “She was a PhD scholar and a kind-hearted soul whose presence brought warmth to our department. During her time with us, she left a lasting impact through her dedication, sincerity, and academic commitment. Her contributions to our department will remain a legacy.”

We express our deepest condolences to Professor Jyoti Mahlawat’s family, her students, fellow faculty members, and loved ones.

Image Credits- Department of Financial Studies, University of Delhi (LinkedIn)

Divyanshi Dusad

[email protected]

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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

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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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