Delhi University Announces Key Changes for 2026-27 Admissions
Delhi University (DU) has released significant updates regarding the admission process for the academic session 2026-27. The university has introduced new courses, revised eligibility criteria, and altered the weightage of entrance exams. According to an official statement, the changes aim to streamline the admission process and align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
New Courses Introduced
For the first time, DU will offer a Bachelor of Science (B.Sc.) in Data Science and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Digital Humanities. These programs are designed to meet the growing demand for interdisciplinary skills. The university has also added 15 new vocational courses across various colleges, including courses in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.
Revised Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for several undergraduate programs have been revised. For instance, the minimum percentage required for admission to B.Com (Hons) has been increased from 85% to 90% in best of four subjects. Similarly, for B.A. (Hons) Economics, the requirement has been raised to 92%. The university has also mandated that students must have studied Mathematics in Class 12 for admission to B.Sc. (Hons) Computer Science, a change from the previous policy where it was not compulsory.
Changes in Entrance Exam Weightage
In a major shift, DU has decided to reduce the weightage of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) from 85% to 70% for admission to most undergraduate programs. The remaining 30% weightage will now be given to Class 12 board exam marks. This change is expected to benefit students who performed exceptionally well in their board exams but had a lower CUET score.
Reservation and Quota Updates
The university has also announced an increase in the number of seats under the supernumerary quota for students from the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, a new 5% reservation for students from the northeastern states has been introduced. These changes are in line with the central government's directives.
Important Dates and Process
The admission process for the 2026-27 session will commence on July 15, 2026, with the online application portal opening on the same day. The last date to apply is August 10, 2026. The first merit list is expected to be released on August 25, 2026. DU has also introduced a new centralized counseling system for all UG programs to simplify the process for students.
Reactions and Impact
Students and parents have expressed mixed reactions to the changes. While some welcome the reduced weightage of CUET, others are concerned about the increased cut-off percentages. According to a DU official, "These changes are designed to ensure a holistic evaluation of students and to reduce the stress associated with a single entrance exam." The university expects a significant increase in applications this year due to the new courses and revised criteria.
