Delhi University (DU) has announced that it will conduct physical spot admissions to fill more than 9,500 vacant undergraduate seats across its colleges. The decision was taken in the Executive Council (EC) meeting chaired by Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh, marking a significant move to ensure that no seat goes unutilized this academic year.
How the vacant seats are distributed
According to official data, the majority of vacancies are spread across reserved categories, though unreserved seats also remain open:
| Category | Vacant Seats |
|---|---|
| OBC | 2,488 |
| SC | 1,332 |
| ST | 1,582 |
| Unreserved | ~2,100 |
| Total | Over 9,500 |
These numbers highlight a concerning trend: despite high demand for DU admissions, thousands of seats — particularly in reserved categories — remain unfilled after multiple rounds of counselling.
How the spot admission process will work
In this special round, colleges will admit students directly on the basis of Class XII marks rather than CUET counselling lists. Applicants who missed earlier rounds or did not secure seats will now have a fresh opportunity, provided they meet the eligibility criteria set by the respective colleges.
The process will be conducted physically on campus, with each college releasing its own schedule and requirements. Students are advised to prepare documents in advance, including Class XII marksheets, photographs, and identification proofs, to avoid last-minute hurdles.
Why DU is turning to physical spot admissions
- Reducing seat wastage: Vacant seats undermine both institutional capacity and student opportunities. Spot admissions aim to close that gap.
- Equity concerns: A high proportion of vacant seats in SC, ST, and OBC categories shows that procedural or awareness barriers still exist. This new round is designed to address such gaps and improve access.
- Flexibility for aspirants: Many students who scored well in school exams but did not perform as expected in CUET will now get a fair chance.
Other key decisions taken by DU’s Executive Council
The meeting also touched upon broader academic reforms and recognition measures:
- Approval for awarding an honorary doctorate to Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, a DU alumna.
- Standardization of PhD coursework requirements across departments (12–16 credits).
- Clarification of how the combined 5% ECA (Extra-Curricular Activities) and sports quota will be allocated among colleges.
- Empowering the Vice-Chancellor to structure policies related to the fourth year of undergraduate courses under the National Education Policy (NEP), including the creation of research discussion rooms.
What this means for students and the university
For students, this is nothing less than a second chance to secure admission in one of India’s most prestigious universities. For DU, it is an attempt to balance inclusivity with efficiency — ensuring that deserving candidates are not left behind and colleges are not forced to run courses with half-filled classrooms.
However, execution will be key. Transparency in seat allotment, clarity in criteria, and timely communication from colleges will determine whether this effort is seen as fair and effective. If managed well, the move could strengthen DU’s position as a truly accessible public institution while reinforcing its alignment with national education reforms.
FAQs
Q1. How many seats are vacant in Delhi University for 2025 admissions?
Over 9,500 undergraduate seats remain vacant across DU colleges, with the highest vacancies in OBC (2,488), SC (1,332), and ST (1,582) categories.
Q2. How will DU fill the vacant seats this year?
DU will conduct physical spot admissions, where students can secure seats directly based on their Class XII marks instead of CUET counselling rounds.
Q3. Who is eligible for DU’s spot admission round?
Students who either did not get seats in earlier rounds or were unable to apply through CUET counselling can participate, provided they meet college-specific eligibility requirements.
Q4. When will the DU spot admission process start?
Each college will announce its own schedule. Students must keep track of DU’s official website and individual college portals for updates.
Q5. What documents are required for DU spot admissions?
Applicants will need their Class XII marksheets, passport-size photographs, government-issued ID, and category certificates (if applicable).
Q6. Why is DU holding physical admissions instead of online counselling?
The move ensures that no seats go to waste, especially in reserved categories, and gives deserving students another opportunity to secure admission.