Delhi University Counters Rahul Gandhi's Caste Discrimination Allegations with Comprehensive Data
In a firm response to allegations made by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi regarding caste-based bias in admissions, Delhi University has released detailed enrollment statistics for the 2025–26 academic year. The university, through an official post on social media platform X, urged the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha to avoid making what it termed "unsubstantiated" statements that could disrupt the institution's academic environment.
University Defends Admission Process as Constitutionally Compliant
Delhi University emphasized that it implements all statutory mandates in the true spirit of the Indian Constitution, with this commitment clearly reflected in its transparent admission and recruitment processes. The university's statement came as a direct rebuttal to Gandhi's remarks made during an event in Lucknow commemorating the birth anniversary of Bahujan Samaj Party founder Kanshi Ram.
During his address, Gandhi had claimed, "I had gone to Delhi University. Interview is just a way to eliminate students. They ask what your caste is, and then you fail in the interview." The university responded by clarifying that admissions are primarily based on Common University Entrance Test (CUET) scores, with most undergraduate and postgraduate programs not requiring interviews as part of the standard admission process.
Detailed Postgraduate Enrollment Statistics Revealed
According to the data released by Delhi University for postgraduate students enrolled through CUET for the 2025–26 academic session:
- 4,022 students (38.59%) from the Unreserved (UR) category
- 3,115 students (29.88%) from the Other Backward Classes (OBC) category
- 1,488 students (14.27%) from the Scheduled Caste (SC) category
- 614 students (5.89%) from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) category
- 1,203 students (11.54%) from the Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) category
The total number of postgraduate students enrolled stood at 10,442, demonstrating what the university describes as a balanced and inclusive admission process.
Undergraduate Enrollment Figures Show Diverse Representation
For undergraduate programs during the same academic session, Delhi University reported the following enrollment breakdown:
- 32,777 students (46.56%) from the Unreserved category
- 17,971 students (25.52%) from the OBC category
- 10,517 students (14.93%) from the SC category
- 3,251 students (4.62%) from the ST category
- 5,879 students (8.35%) from the EWS category
The total undergraduate enrollment reached 70,395 students, further supporting the university's position that its admission processes are equitable and transparent.
Faculty Recruitment Data from 2021 to 2025
In addition to student enrollment statistics, Delhi University also shared comprehensive data on faculty appointments, including librarians and physical education staff, covering the period from 2021 to March 15, 2025. The recruitment breakdown includes:
- 2,123 appointments (41.99%) under the Unreserved category
- 717 appointments (14.18%) under the Scheduled Caste category
- 349 appointments (6.90%) under the Scheduled Tribe category
- 1,282 appointments (25.35%) under the OBC category
- 422 appointments (8.35%) under the EWS category
- 163 appointments (3.22%) under the Persons with Disabilities (PwD) category
The total number of faculty recruitments during this period stood at 5,056, illustrating what the university describes as a commitment to diversity in its staffing as well as its student body.
University Calls for Responsible Statements
Delhi University concluded its statement by reiterating its appeal to the Leader of Opposition to refrain from making unsubstantiated remarks, emphasizing that such comments could potentially undermine the healthy learning environment that the institution strives to maintain. The university's comprehensive data release represents a significant effort to address allegations through factual evidence and statistical transparency.
