DU Widens Access for Single Girl Students in PG Admissions
In a policy shift expected to take effect from the 2025–26 academic session, Delhi University (DU) will extend the Single Girl Child (SGC) quota to all postgraduate programmes. While the move is being celebrated in many academic and social circles as a boost for gender inclusion, it has also raised questions around its scale, practicality, and long-term impact.
By introducing a supernumerary seat—an additional, not redistributed seat—for eligible single girl candidates in each PG programme, DU aims to promote gender equity without compromising existing reservations or general category quotas.
Policy Details: What Exactly Is Being Offered?
Under the updated policy, one supernumerary seat per PG programme will be reserved for candidates who are the only girl child in their family. This applies only to Indian citizens and will operate within the framework of CUET-PG admissions managed by the National Testing Agency. The seat is not open to candidates from reserved categories unless they qualify on general merit and meet the SGC condition.
To qualify, candidates must submit a notarized affidavit confirming they are the single girl child. The seat will be awarded based on CUET-PG performance, not just eligibility.
The Positive Intent: Empowerment Through Representation
The policy draws from a clear motive—encouraging higher education among young women, particularly in households with socio-cultural or financial constraints.
This effort echoes national-level schemes such as Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao and the NEP 2020’s emphasis on inclusive and equitable education. DU’s move attempts to mirror these goals within a prestigious institutional context, giving students across India a tangible opportunity to pursue PG education without additional competition for limited seats.
Voices of Support
Educators, students, and inclusion advocates have mostly welcomed the decision.
“This one seat could change the trajectory of someone’s life,” said a third-year undergraduate from DU planning to pursue a master’s degree.
The Concerns: Tokenism, Enforcement, and Real Impact
However, not everyone sees the policy as a silver bullet.
Limited Reach
Critics argue that one seat per programme across hundreds of departments may be more symbolic than systemic.
“In PG departments with 100+ seats, one seat feels more like a gesture than real empowerment,” said a faculty union member.
Verification Challenges
Ensuring only genuine applicants claim the quota is another hurdle. DU will require notarized affidavits, but this process could be open to misuse unless tightly regulated. Students from marginalized or remote areas may face difficulties in documentation, inadvertently excluding those most in need.
No Category Overlap
The policy explicitly excludes reserved category candidates from availing the SGC seat unless they qualify in the general merit list. Critics say this overlooks the intersectionality of caste and gender, potentially leaving out many disadvantaged yet deserving students.
Administrative Response: A Measured Start, Not a Comprehensive Reform
DU officials maintain that the move is a starting point— not the final word.
“We have to begin somewhere. This seat does not displace any other candidate. It’s an addition, and future reviews can lead to expansion,” said a senior DU administrator.
The policy will be monitored through centralized tracking via CUET-PG, transparent publication of merit lists, and verification of all documentation during counseling.
How Students Can Apply: Step-by-Step
Students need to appear for CUET-PG 2025 in their intended subject area. During the choice-filling stage, they should select the SGC quota option and upload a notarized affidavit stating their SGC status. Seat allotment will be merit-based on CUET-PG scores.
A Balancing Act Between Inclusivity and Implementation
Delhi University’s decision represents a balancing act: the intent is undeniably inclusive, but its implementation will determine the outcome.
While students and rights advocates appreciate the symbolic value and potential of the SGC quota, real empowerment will depend on awareness, access, and review. Many students miss opportunities due to lack of timely information. Simplifying documentation and eligibility processes will be key. Annual policy reviews could allow scope to expand the seat count or include intersectional categories.
Empowering One, Signaling to Many
By extending the Single Girl Child quota to postgraduate programmes, Delhi University has taken a decisive yet measured step toward gender equity in higher education.
The success of this initiative will depend on execution, transparency, and follow-through. But even as a limited measure, it sends an important message: inclusivity is not an afterthought, but a structural priority.
For the student who earns that one seat, it could be life-changing. For the rest, it’s a signal that Indian academia is finally beginning to ask: who’s missing, and why?
What is the Single Girl Child quota introduced by DU?
It is a supernumerary seat reserved for Indian women who are the only girl child in their family, applicable from PG admissions 2025–26.
Does this quota affect existing reserved category seats?
No. It is an additional seat and does not alter existing reservation norms.
Can reserved category candidates apply under this quota?
Only if they qualify on general merit and meet the SGC condition.
How can students apply for the quota?
Students must opt for it during CUET-PG counseling and upload a notarized affidavit confirming their status.
Will more seats be added in future?
DU officials have indicated that this is a pilot policy and may be reviewed for expansion based on implementation feedback.