Delhi University (DU) has officially begun the admission process for the 2024-25 academic year for undergraduate courses, which are set to commence in August 2024. This year, the university has maintained its general admission policy but introduced a significant update: a reservation for single girl children in all programs as part of the supernumerary seats. This new policy aims to promote gender equity and provide additional support to single girl children.
According to DU registrar Vikas Gupta, as reported by PTI, the new quota will reserve one seat per course in every college specifically for a single girl child, awarded based on merit. These seats are in addition to the existing sanctioned capacities of the colleges. This initiative builds on last year's introduction of a supernumerary category that facilitated admissions for orphans, with one seat each for a male and female orphan per course in each college.
The admission process at DU involves the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS), which spans 69 colleges and departments offering a total of 71,000 seats. The CSAS process is structured in two main phases: registration on the CSAS portal and seat allocation. Details on determining eligibility for the single girl child quota are still under discussion, and further guidelines are expected to be released soon.
Key Features of the CSAS Admission Process
Registration Phase: Students must first register on the CSAS portal. This phase is now open and will remain available for approximately one month.
Seat Allocation Phase: The second phase of the admission process will begin after the announcement of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) UG results, expected on June 30.
Mid-Entry Option: For applicants who miss the initial registration deadline, DU offers a mid-entry option. These late entrants must pay a non-refundable fee of Rs 1,000 but cannot claim seats already allocated to candidates who registered on time.
Utilization of CUET Scores: Admissions for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs at DU will continue to use CUET scores, a practice established last year to streamline and standardize the admission process.
Additional Support for Single Girl Children
The introduction of a reservation for single girl children is a significant step towards fostering an inclusive educational environment. By allocating one supernumerary seat per course in each college, DU aims to support single girl children who might otherwise face barriers to higher education. This initiative aligns with broader efforts to promote gender equity and provide more opportunities for girls in higher education.
Continuation of Orphan Quota
DU's ongoing commitment to supporting vulnerable students is also evident in the continuation of the supernumerary category for orphans. This category reserves seats for one male and one female orphan per course in each college, ensuring that orphaned students have access to higher education opportunities.
Conclusion
Delhi University's 2024-25 admission process reflects its commitment to inclusivity and support for underrepresented groups. By introducing a quota for single girl children and continuing support for orphans, DU is taking proactive steps to ensure that more students have the opportunity to pursue higher education. As the admission process unfolds, prospective students and their families can look forward to a more inclusive and equitable approach to higher education at one of India's premier universities.