Delhi University (DU), one of India’s most prestigious educational institutions, has announced significant changes to its admission criteria for undergraduate courses. These changes primarily affect the Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Commerce (BCom) programs, and will be implemented starting from the academic session of 2025-26. The revised admission criteria aim to streamline the process and offer more flexibility to students applying for these programs. This move aligns with the growing need for an updated, inclusive educational framework that supports the varied academic interests of students across the country.
In This Article:
Changes in BA Admission Criteria
In a major shift, DU has overhauled the selection criteria for BA courses. Historically, students applying for BA programs were required to choose one language subject and three domain-specific subjects. However, in the new system, students can now select two language subjects and two domain subjects, offering them the opportunity to design their academic pathway according to their strengths and interests.
This change is expected to benefit students who have diverse academic inclinations and wish to combine language proficiency with other subjects like history, political science, or psychology. Popular BA programs such as BA in History, Psychology, and Political Science will be significantly impacted by this change, as students can now make more personalized decisions regarding the combination of subjects they wish to pursue.
The flexibility introduced by the new system will help students tailor their course structure to better align with their long-term academic and career goals. With the changing dynamics of education, this shift is seen as an important move towards enhancing academic autonomy.
Language Requirement for Science Courses Modified
Alongside the revisions for BA courses, DU has also made changes to the language requirements for students pursuing science programs. Previously, students opting for a combination of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) had to secure at least 30% marks in their language subjects in Class 12. This requirement, however, has now been removed, granting students more freedom to focus on their core scientific subjects without the pressure of meeting language-specific criteria.
This move is expected to benefit a significant number of students pursuing science courses who were previously disadvantaged by the mandatory language marks requirement. It reflects DU’s efforts to cater to the academic needs of students in an ever-evolving educational landscape.
Revised Eligibility for BCom (Hons) Courses
For the BCom (Hons) program, DU has updated the eligibility criteria as well. One of the major changes is the removal of the strict requirement for students to have studied mathematics in Class 12 to be eligible for the course. Now, students who did not study mathematics in school can also apply for the BCom (Hons) program, provided they meet the other eligibility criteria.
The BCom (Hons) program will now offer two different subject combinations for applicants. The first combination requires one language from List A, mathematics or applied mathematics, and two subjects from List B. The second combination consists of one language from List A, accountancy or bookkeeping, and two subjects from List B. This updated structure ensures that a wider variety of students from different academic backgrounds can now pursue BCom (Hons).
Common University Entrance Test (CUET) and Application Process
Admissions for all DU undergraduate courses will continue to be conducted via the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), which has been implemented in recent years to provide a standardized and transparent admission process. The CUET enables students to gain admission to various universities, including DU, based on a common entrance exam, thus eliminating the need for multiple entrance tests.
DU’s application process will continue to be managed via the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS), which ensures a streamlined and organized process. The CSAS allows for easy navigation of the application process, making it more student-friendly and reducing the chances of errors.
With these updated criteria for BA and BCom courses, Delhi University is responding to the changing academic needs of students. The introduction of more flexible subject choices and the removal of restrictive eligibility requirements is a progressive move towards making higher education more inclusive and accessible. These changes reflect DU’s commitment to providing quality education and a supportive learning environment that caters to the diverse needs of its student population.
By – Kartik
