New Verification Rule Aims to Strengthen Reservation Transparency
In a significant update to its undergraduate (UG) admission process, Delhi University (DU) has made it mandatory for aspirants applying under reserved categories to provide their sub-caste details along with the standard caste information. This step is aimed at improving the accuracy and integrity of the reservation verification process during admissions.
The instruction applies to candidates seeking seats under Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), and Other Backward Classes (OBC) categories and comes as the university gears up for the upcoming academic session.
Why DU Is Asking for Sub-Caste Information
For years, authorities at DU have faced challenges during document verification due to incomplete or generic caste entries submitted by applicants. In many cases, students list broad caste identifiers that are either not recognized or too vague to be verified against government databases.
A senior DU official explained,
“Some students just write ‘OBC’ or mention a parent community without specifying the sub-caste. That’s not enough when verifying against the central list of recognized communities.”
By asking applicants to enter both caste and sub-caste details, DU seeks to:
- Streamline the verification of caste certificates with official government records
- Ensure that only eligible candidates receive the benefits of reservation
- Prevent misuse of quotas through inaccurate or misleading entries
How the Policy Will Be Enforced
DU has updated its Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS) portal to reflect the new requirement. While filling in their personal and academic details, candidates from reserved categories will now see a mandatory sub-caste field under the reservation section.
Admissions teams will then cross-reference the sub-caste names with official lists published by the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) and respective SC/ST lists approved by the central government.
Students have been warned that incomplete or incorrect caste information could result in admission being denied, even if the overall eligibility criteria are met.
Response from Students and Educators
The move has received a mixed response. While many support it for encouraging transparency and fairness, others fear it could lead to confusion or unintended disqualification due to clerical errors.
“I understand the need to avoid fake certificates,” said a DU aspirant from the OBC category. “But the process needs to be clear. Not everyone knows how their sub-caste is listed officially.”
DU officials have assured students that clarity and help desks will be provided during the admission process to guide candidates in selecting the correct entries.
Broader Context: Rising Scrutiny on Caste Certificate Misuse
Over the past few years, both central and state agencies have reported a rise in forged or misrepresented caste certificates, especially in competitive admissions. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has also issued advisories to institutions, asking them to adopt stricter verification protocols.
Delhi University’s new rule aligns with these national efforts and reflects a growing institutional priority to protect reservation benefits for the genuinely eligible.
What Students Should Do Now
- Check the official caste lists published by NCBC and state governments
- Ensure that sub-caste details match your official caste certificate
- Avoid leaving the field blank or making approximations during registration
- Contact university helplines if unsure about category classification
With this change, DU aims to set a more accountable and transparent precedent in how caste-based reservations are administered across Indian higher education institutions.
FAQs – Delhi University Sub-Caste Entry Requirement
Why is Delhi University asking for sub-caste details during UG admissions?
To ensure accurate verification of reservation claims and prevent misuse of caste-based quotas. It helps the university match entries with official government-recognized lists.
What happens if I only enter a broad caste name like “OBC” without a sub-caste?
Your application may be rejected during document verification. DU requires precise sub-caste identification to confirm eligibility.
Where can I find my official sub-caste listing?
Refer to the NCBC Central OBC List or your respective state’s SC/ST lists. Your caste certificate must reflect a recognized sub-caste name.
Is this requirement new for DU admissions?
Yes, this additional field has been implemented for the 2025-26 UG admission cycle to tighten scrutiny and improve fairness in quota allocations.
Will support be available for students unsure about their sub-caste details?
Yes. DU plans to set up admission help desks and online guidance during the application window.