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IIT Delhi Tops Indian Universities in QS Asia Rankings, DU Slips but Stays in Top 100

By DU Beat November 5, 2025

India’s performance in QS Asia 2026 Rankings shows mixed results; while IIT Delhi leads nationally, Delhi University’s slip to 95th calls for renewed focus on research and global partnerships.

In the latest QS World University Rankings: Asia 2026, the Indian Institute of Technology Delhi (IIT Delhi) has once again emerged as India’s highest-ranked institution. Ranked 59th in Asia, IIT Delhi has retained its top spot among Indian universities for the fifth consecutive year, though it fell from 44th place last year.

Across India, the rankings reveal a mixed picture. 7 Indian universities made it to Asia’s top 100, 20 in the top 200 and 66 in the top 500. However, many top institutions, including IITs and IISc Bengaluru, saw declines in their ranks. The Indian Institute of Science dropped from 62nd to 64th, reflecting the increasing competition from East and Southeast Asian universities.

The University of Delhi (DU) maintained its presence among Asia’s leading universities but slipped from 81st to 95th this year. For one of India’s most prominent public universities, this decline highlights the need for renewed focus on research impact, international collaborations, and faculty-student ratios—key metrics emphasized by the QS methodology.

Despite the dip, DU continues to hold a distinctive position in India’s academic landscape, given its diversity, rich intellectual legacy, and contribution to social sciences and humanities research. Experts believe that with strategic emphasis on research funding, interdisciplinary studies, and global partnerships, DU could strengthen its standing in future rankings.

While IIT Delhi leads the national chart, the broader story points to a crucial transition for Indian higher education—one where greater emphasis on quality research and global visibility will determine which institutions rise to meet the demands of a changing academic world.

Featured image source- QS Quacquarelli Symonds

Madhav Choudhary

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Campus Central

No Acid, No Attacker: Police Reveal DU Student Faked Assault on Father’s Orders

By DU Beat October 28, 2025

Delhi Police found that the alleged DU acid attack was staged by the student and her father, Aqeel Khan, to frame an acquaintance amid a personal dispute.

A 20-year-old second-year B.Com student enrolled under DU’s Non-Collegiate Women’s Education Board (NCWEB) had alleged that acid was thrown at her near her college earlier this week. However, investigations have now revealed that the incident was fabricated by the student and her father, Aqeel Khan, to frame the alleged accused, Jitendra, who is an acquaintance.

According to police, Khan has confessed to orchestrating the staged attack;

The evidence clearly proves that no acid attack took place. The father’s admission and the medical findings expose a deliberate attempt to misuse public outrage and waste police resources,” a senior Delhi Police officer said.

CCTV footage, call detail records, and eyewitness statements contradicted the student’s claims. Investigators found that Jitendra was at the time of the alleged attack in Karol Bagh. His motorcycle, initially believed to be used in the assault, was parked there, and his mobile location also matched the Karol Bagh area.

Forensic teams found no acid residue at the spot, and no CCTV camera captured any such incident near the college gate. Doctors at RML Hospital confirmed that the injuries were superficial and consistent with toilet cleaner burns, not acid. Police concluded that the student had poured the liquid on her own hand to mimic an attack.

Sources said Khan’s motive was to take revenge and divert attention from another case. Days before the alleged attack, Jitendra’s wife had filed a complaint against Khan, accusing him of sexual harassment and blackmail during her employment at his garment factory between 2021 and 2024.

The police have now classified the case as false and registered an FIR under Sections 124(1) and 3(5) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita against the student and her father for misleading authorities and misusing public resources. Khan has been arrested, and further investigation is underway.

Image Credit: Navbharat Times

Anjali Kumari Jha
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Stalker Attacks Lakshmibai College Student

By DU Beat October 26, 2025

A Delhi University student, reportedly enrolled in NCWEB, was injured in an acid attack near Lakshmibai College on Sunday morning, allegedly carried out by a stalker from her neighbourhood along with two accomplices.

A 20-year-old Delhi University second-year student sustained burn injuries in an acid attack near Lakshmibai College, Ashok Vihar, around 10 a.m. on Sunday. According to police, the victim, a resident of Mukundpur, was on her way to the college for an extra class when the incident occurred just a short distance away. She managed to shield her face, but the acid burnt part of her hands.

The incident came to light after the police received a call from the hospital. Delhi Police spokesperson said that based on the victim’s statement, a case has been registered and a search for the accused has been launched.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the main accused, Jitender, who was an acquaintance of the victim, arrived at the crime spot on a motorcycle with two others, Ishaan and Armaan. “Ishaan handed over a bottle to Armaan, who threw acid on her,” the police statement said. The three fled immediately after the attack.

The Deputy Commissioner of Police, Bhisham Singh, said, “On inquiry, the victim stated that she is a second-year student and had gone to Laxmibai College, Ashok Vihar, for an extra class. While she was walking towards the college, a man named Jitender came on a bike with his friends Ishaan and Armaan. Ishan allegedly handed over a bottle to Armaan, who threw acid on the woman. The victim tried to protect her face but sustained injuries on both hands. The accused fled the spot.”

Police said Jitender, who also lives in the Mukundpur area, had been harassing and stalking the woman for some time and had grown hostile following a quarrel a month ago. A team from the Forensic Science Laboratory inspected the scene, and CCTV footage from the surrounding area is being examined. Police teams are conducting raids to trace the accused.

The victim was first taken to Deep Chand Bandhu Hospital and later shifted to RML Hospital. Doctors confirmed that her injuries were not life-threatening.

A senior officer from Ashok Vihar police station said,

The victim has shown remarkable courage. She shielded herself and survived what could have been far worse.”

Image Credit: India Today

Image Caption: Victim sustained burns on her hand while protecting her face.

Anjali Kumari Jha

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Campus Central

Chhath Puja Excluded From Delhi University Holiday Calendar Despite Delhi Govt Declaration, Again.

By DU Beat October 26, 2025

On Friday, the Delhi Government declared Chhath Puja on 27th October to be a public holiday. However, Delhi University has not declared an official holiday, sparking student outrage. While some colleges like Sri Venkateswara have offered academic leniency, the broader university administration remains unresponsive.

Chhath Puja, a government holiday, as declared by Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, has yet again, been disregarded by the Delhi University, stirring up major discontent and controversy. While the capital city will be observing a holiday on 27th October, i.e., Monday, which marks the third and most important day of the festival, the Delhi University administration has retained the occasion in its list of restricted holidays, and has despite past outrage and a government-mandated closure of holidays, not kept it a holiday for its students.

Chhath Puja is widely celebrated across Bihar, Jharkhand, and Uttar Pradesh by worshipping the Sun God or ‘Chhathi Maiya’. The Chief Minister, in her declaration, said, “Through the worship of the Sun and Chhathi Maiya, Chhath conveys a message of purity, environmental protection and gratitude towards nature.” The erstwhile Delhi CM Atishi had declared a similar government holiday last year as well.

This year, the official University mid-semester Diwali break was scheduled from 19th October till the 26th of October—incorporating Chhath Puja within this break would simply mean extending the holiday just by one day. This remains one of the major points of contention amongst University students celebrating the festivity as a 3rd year points out,

I’m really disappointed that DU didn’t consider extending the holidays for Chhath Puja. It’s such an important festival for so many of us from Bihar and Eastern UP, and most of us travel back home just for these few days. One extra day would’ve made a huge difference because the travel itself takes so long. It feels like the university doesn’t really understand how significant this festival is for us emotionally and culturally.”

Such outrage has previously been noted amongst the students on multiple other occasions, such as on Maharishi Valmiki Jayanti earlier in the month, which was an officially declared public holiday by the Delhi Government.

However, classes for most Delhi University colleges were not officially cancelled. Students have argued that since DU is a Central University, and thus comes under the jurisdiction of the Central Government, it is unfair to assume that classes would be cancelled for the University. Despite this, students who have celebrated the Chhath Festival throughout their lives are disappointed towards the lack of sensitivity of the University administration and their inactivity in recognising and encouraging inclusivity for students of all backgrounds.

“A one-day extension would have shown some inclusivity towards students who celebrate Chhath. It’s a big deal back home for us,” a second-year Delhi University student said,

It’s unfair that so many of us have to miss the celebration this year because classes resume immediately. Even a single-day extension would’ve allowed us to be with our families without worrying about the travel or attendance, especially when fulfilling the attendance criteria is imperative.”

This is not to say that all colleges within DU are completely indifferent to this public holiday declaration. The administration of Sri Venkateswara College has informed its faculty that no class tests, assignment submissions or practical tests are to be scheduled between the 27th and 31st of October, “to ensure that students are able to participate in the festive celebrations without academic inconvenience”, as intimated through an email that was sent to the teachers. A post by DUTODAY mentioned that many colleges across Delhi University are expected to adopt similar measures, subject to the respective departments and colleges.

Image source: The Indian Express

Manya Marwah

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Uncategorized

Humanities Students Lead Delhi University’s Shift to Four-Year Undergraduate Programme

By DU Beat October 26, 2025

Delhi University’s bold transition to a four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP) reveals a clear trend: humanities students and those in top-ranked colleges are embracing the change most enthusiastically. In centrally located colleges such as Miranda House, Lady Shri Ram (LSR), and Hindu College, nearly 40% of students have opted to continue for the fourth year, compared to an overall university average of about 30%, according to DU officials.

The highest continuation rates have been recorded in the humanities and social sciences, especially subjects like political science, English, psychology, history, and Hindi. In contrast, students in science courses show less interest in extending their studies. A DU official explained, “Many science students prefer to move on to postgraduate programmes at premier institutions such as IITs and IISERs, where they can specialise immediately.”

This makes the FYUP’s early success a story led by liberal arts and social sciences, traditionally popular disciplines at DU’s prestigious colleges. “At Miranda House, about 30% of students are continuing; Hindu College has retained 38%, and LSR has reported close to 40% retention,” the official said. However, colleges located on the city’s outskirts have seen significantly lower participation, with continuation rates ranging between 15% and 27%.

The divide, principals say, stems from differences in infrastructure, visibility, and student profiles. Centrally located colleges tend to attract higher-performing students and provide stronger academic and research facilities, while off-campus colleges face resource constraints. Still, some administrators see a positive side. “Smaller fourth-year batches give us time to fine-tune the system before scaling up,” said the principal of a South Campus college.

The new four-year programme, introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aims to encourage multidisciplinary learning, flexibility, and research orientation. Launched in 2022–23, the programme offers three exit points — a certificate after one year, a diploma after two, and a degree after three, with the fourth year leading to an honours with research qualification.

Last week, DU officials held a review meeting with affiliated colleges to assess implementation. Some institutions reported very low enrolments, with fewer than 10 students in some fourth-year classes, posing academic and administrative challenges. Colleges have been advised to form clusters so students from different institutions can attend joint classes for similar courses. A DU Spokesperson says,

We expect participation to rise once students see the long-term academic and career benefits.

For many students, the decision to stay reflects career planning and academic ambition. Another final-year student from Hindu College said,

The fourth year lets me specialise and focus on research. The ‘honours with research’ tag will strengthen my postgraduate applications and give me an edge professionally.”

As Delhi University becomes one of the first central universities to fully adopt the FYUP model, the transition marks a significant shift in India’s higher education landscape—one that places research, flexibility, and academic depth at the core of undergraduate learning.

Featured Image Source: The Indian Express

Richa Choudhary

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Campus Central

Saheli Card Launch in Delhi: Why Women Seek Safety Before Free Travel

By DU Beat October 23, 2025

The Delhi government’s new Saheli Smart Card offers free bus travel for women and transgender residents, but Delhi University students and commuters question its impact. With safety concerns and limited metro coverage, experts say true mobility requires stronger security, inclusive access, and reliable infrastructure beyond just free fares.

The Delhi Government is set to launch the Pink Saheli SmartCard on the auspicious festival of Bhai Dooj with the aim of digitising travel and replacing the Pink Tickets for DTC buses launched in 2019. This is a personalised travel smart card offering free travel on DTC and cluster buses for women and transgender residents, along with the option to recharge for other modes of transport. But does it really remove all the barriers which cause women to deter using buses?

This card will be personalised with the name and photo of the user under the NCMC framework. The free rides will be restricted for the women and transgender residents of Delhi aged 12+. Applicants can register online on the DTC portal and complete KYC and Delhi resident verification for the card to be issued. The card can be recharged for paid use on other modes (e.g., Delhi Metro), but reports clarify metro rides are not automatically free under the scheme. It replaces the older paper-pink-ticket regime—but raises concerns about the exclusion of migrants, informal-housing residents and others without formal documents.

Though, the willingness of women to use public transport is not an issue that can be cured by this initiative. Recent reports and viral accounts constantly remind us how unsafe and uncomfortable travelling in public transport buses and metros can be, even with the designated women’s coach. Especially for students, it is a major concern, as they have to regularly use public transport on a daily basis. A broader survey by UN Women from 2010 found that about 50% of women reported being harassed while using public transport in Delhi. And another source states that up to 8 in every 10 women surveyed in Delhi have faced sexual harassment during commuting or in urban public spaces. These numbers are extreme, but it’s agonising how they’re not really surprising for any of us.

A large share of daily commuters in Delhi include students travelling every day across the city to different campuses. So it’s obvious that this policy is expected to include a student angle, which is especially imperative for the students at Delhi University—as DU student activism and union records show long-standing demands for subsidised metro passes and better university-run transport. Equity in transport access is clearly linked with academic participation, and women’s safety during this travel is one of the most important concerns. The student reaction to the Saheli card has been mixed, as it criticises the card for excluding metro travel, which is now more reliable than using buses. There is also a constant call for designated student passes for the metro to reduce dependence on long bus commutes.

In conclusion, the Saheli Card can empower women only if free travel is paired with real safety reforms. Ensuring active presence of female wardens, better lighting in top commuter hubs, ensuring constant CCTV watch, and metro concessions will make Delhi’s transport both accessible and secure—turning affordability into genuine freedom of movement.

Shreya Bhushan
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Image Credits: Anonymous

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DU VC calls Arundhati Roy’s remarks ‘hate speech’ at Law Faculty event

By DU Beat October 9, 2025

Delhi University Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh, at a Law Faculty event on hate speech, cited author Arundhati Roy’s past remarks on the Indian state as an example of divisive rhetoric, urging intellectuals to avoid such statements.

At an event on “Hate Speech and Electoral Politics in India” held at Delhi University’s Faculty of Law on 7th October, Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh cited author Arundhati Roy’s past remarks about the Indian state as an example of hate speech. The event, organised to explore how language shapes public opinion and political narratives, became notable for Singh’s strong comments on what he viewed as harmful rhetoric from public intellectuals.

Quoting from one of Roy’s older speeches, Singh referred to her statement describing India as a “perpetually upper-caste Hindu state” that has been “at war with its own people” since Independence. In her speech, Roy had listed conflicts in Kashmir, Manipur, Nagaland, Punjab, Goa, Telangana, and other regions as evidence of this claim.

Singh remarked these statements as a pure definition of hate speech. Adding that such comments “pollute children and citizens’ minds because these statements are made from a very selective perspective.”

He further stated that public figures and intellectuals should avoid such statements since they influence young people and shape the discourse in ways that can harm national unity.

Singh said that hate speech often emerges from the public’s own biases and attitudes. “Politicians think that if they make hate speech, they will get more votes. Is it their fault or ours?” he asked the audience, noting that electoral incentives play a major role in normalising such rhetoric.

“We all should keep in mind that politicians are the smartest people in the country. They know the pulse of the people. If they realise they will not get votes by making hate speech, they will stop making such speeches.”

Image Credits: News18

Juhi Bansal

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Miranda House Students Repeatedly Face Safety Issues Due to DUSU Elections

By DU Beat September 28, 2025

While DUSU elections are indicative of a vibrant political culture all over campus, they have also led to safety concerns over and over again, especially for students of girls’ colleges such as Miranda House.

Year after year, the Delhi University Student Union (DUSU) elections create an increasingly unsafe environment in university areas, especially for women. This year, once again, Miranda House students allegedly faced several instances of catcalling, harassment, and invasion of personal space by campaigneers affiliated with the various student political parties.

It was noticed that cars belonging to members of student parties were parked in a line in front of the Miranda House college campus, in addition to other areas in North Campus. This year, the gate most accessible by foot to the metro had been closed off for the pre-election and election time period by the college, citing security concerns. This obligated the students to take the long route to the metro station from the front gate. A student clarified,

It became really inconvenient for us—we had to walk through all the ABVP and NSUI party members who hung and drove around in groups, which became really uncomfortable at times. Even taking a rickshaw wasn’t an option sometimes due to the heavy traffic caused by their cars. This became especially bad in the week before DUSU elections took place.”

Several instances of Miranda House students being stalked, catcalled, and teased around and during the time of this year’s DUSU elections were recorded. Another mentioned;

On 14 September, when campaigning was in full swing, my friend and I were walking towards the Arts Faculty when a huge group of burly men gathered around us. They whistled at us, heckled us, and stared at us from head to toe. We were petrified and somehow made it out from there.

Miranda House College is no stranger to such incidents. During the 2023 DUSU elections, around 30 men allegedly affiliated with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) entered the all-girls’ college campus without permission, and reportedly disrupted classes, created chaos and made the students feel uncomfortable. The college’s guidelines, in accordance with the University’s, regarding DUSU campaigning inside the college campus allow for only up to five people, including the candidate themselves, to enter the college premises at a time, that too with valid ID cards and permission from the principal and the police.

However, despite these rules, the next year saw a similar incident taking place, namely during the 2024 DUSU elections. This time, the former DUSU president Ronak Khatri, and the then presidential candidate for NSUI, reportedly broke the college gates and entered the premises forcefully, once again creating a hostile environment for the students.

The Miranda House campus has long been a space where women felt safe from transgression and obscenity, a principle which seems to be violated almost every year during the election season. This year, many students, both day scholars and pg-renters, even asked for classes to be cancelled around the election day, giving safety issues as a reason.

Image Credits: Free Press Journal

Manya Marwah
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Student from Ramanujan College Suspended, Admission of Two Others Cancelled

By DU Beat September 26, 2025

A male student from Ramanujan College is suspended for allegedly body-shaming two female students. Two first-year B.Comm students have their admissions cancelled as mutual violence escalates, and another fresher remains suspended for a year for his attack on a senior philosophy student.

Campus fights and verbal assaults are not unheard of, and unfortunately, it is not too often that colleges significantly reprimand these actions. However, Ramanujan College, on September 17th, issued a suspension order on a male student for allegedly body-shaming two female students, making derogatory remarks about their physical appearance. The issued suspension order stated that the student had performed these actions on September 16th. Being suspended for 88 days, he is prohibited from entering the college campus, let alone attending classes or participating in any college activities.

The student’s behaviour was stated as a “serious violation” of the code of conduct of Ramanujan College, and he will remain unable to step inside college premises until December 10th. While some argue that the 88 day suspension was too harsh, others believe that it was necessary for the institution to take a firm stand in order to inculcate the virtues of discipline, empathy and basic civic sense in the student body.

In addition to a case of verbal abuse and the issuing of a suspension order at Ramnujan College, a fight had broken out between two first-year B.Comm students. Both students involved are said to be injured. One of them was in possession of an iron rod. The college condemned the act and stated that possession of weapons of any sort is a serious threat to student safety. The admissions of both these students stand cancelled. Further, with another student from the Philosophy department being severely injured at the hands of a first-year student on September 12th, it can be expected that the college takes stricter measures to prevent any form of violence or assault on campus. The attacker has been given a year-long suspension and a fine of 10,000 rupees.

The college administration has warned that any attempt to violate the suspension will result in stricter penalties, including expulsion. It is hoped that new reforms and stricter enforcement of rules will place student safety as a matter of great priority, making the campus a safe space to learn and thrive.

Featured Image Credits: Ramanujan College Website

Souparnika Rajkumar

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Students of Jamia Milia Islamia University Detained during 17th Batla House Anniversary March

By DU Beat September 24, 2025

On Friday, September 19th, Delhi Police detained at least 12 students of Jamia Millia Islamia during a march being conducted to mark 17 years since the Batla House encounter. It is claimed that among those detained were AISA Delhi State President Saiyed Ishfaq, AISA Jamia Secretary Saurabh, and two other student leaders.

Students at Jamia stated that Friday’s march remained peaceful until it was disrupted near Gate No. 7 of the university. They alleged that police escorted them off campus and detained several participants. The All India Students’ Association (AISA) asserted that the detentions took place openly in the presence of the Jamia Nagar police station SHO. AISA further claimed that women students were among those held, and some were transported to locations far outside Delhi.

Police reported that the students were stopped only after the procession proceeded to move out of the college premises and raised what the requisite officers term “provocative slogans”.

The students said that the march has been organised every year, except during the COVID pandemic, in Jamia Nagar to demand a judicial inquiry into the 2008 encounter. “How ironic that when students even gather to remember one injustice, the state delivers another,“ AISA said.

The police, while denying these claims, stated that a student had tried to come off campus while shouting slogans, which is when 12 of them were detained. They were all released within two hours, the officer added, and no student is currently under detention.

Still, the incident has upset many on campus. Mishkat Tehrim, AISA President, said, “I thought we would be safe inside campus…” I have never seen something like this after the CAA-NRC protests.”

Saiyed Ishfaq, AISA’s Delhi State President, who was among those detained, also alleged that students were forcibly picked up and dropped far from the university.

The Jamia administration purposely left the gate open, creating confusion… I was detained on campus. Women students were dragged by guards…”

The Batla House encounter occurred on 19th September 2008, followed by numerous incidents of bomb explosions in Delhi, which resulted in the deaths of 39 individuals and injuries to 159. Delhi Police’s Special Cell, having received a tip-off, stormed into a flat in Jamia Nagar, where suspected terrorists had taken shelter. During the ensuing gunfight, Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma and Head Constable Balwant Singh were wounded; Sharma later died of his injuries. Two men in the flat, Atif Ameen and Mohammad Sajid, were also killed.

Twenty-four-year-old Atif Amin was a student of Jamia Millia Islamia, and 17-year-old Sajid was an aspirant of Jamia School. Atif Amin was the chief bomber of the terrorist outfit ‘Indian Mujahideen’, which was responsible for terror attacks between 2007 and 2009 in Delhi, Ahmedabad, Jaipur, Surat and Faizabad.

On the second anniversary of the encounter, a shooting took place at the gates of Jama Masjid, in which two foreign tourists were injured; a car bomb with a failed timer was also found in the vicinity.

Image Credits: Muslim Mirror

Divyanshi Dusad
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