Delhi University (DU) has expanded its undergraduate admission process for the 2026-27 academic year by allowing nine more colleges to admit students based on their Class 12 board exam marks. This move increases the total number of DU colleges offering admissions through Class 12 merit to 35. Unlike the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), this route does not require candidates to appear for any entrance exam, simplifying the admission process for many applicants.
The university has emphasized that all admissions through this route will adhere to the prescribed eligibility criteria. Prospective students are encouraged to consult the websites or contact the respective colleges directly for detailed information on courses and admission procedures. Additionally, DU has clarified that students already enrolled in a DU college cannot apply for admission again via the Class 12 marks-based route.
How DU's Class 12 Merit Admissions Work
Delhi University traditionally admits undergraduate students through the CUET exam, which tests candidates on various subjects. However, to provide an alternative pathway, DU has been gradually increasing the number of colleges that accept students solely based on their Class 12 board exam results. This approach allows students who performed well in their school exams to gain admission without the added pressure of entrance tests.
The university sets eligibility benchmarks for each program, ensuring that only qualified candidates are admitted. This system aims to balance merit-based selection with accessibility, especially for students who may excel in their board exams but prefer not to take CUET.
Details of the Newly Added Colleges and Programs
The nine colleges recently added to the Class 12 merit admission list offer a variety of undergraduate programs across arts and science streams. Here are the colleges and some of the courses they provide:
- Indraprastha College for Women: BA (Hons) Sanskrit, BA (Hons) Hindi
- Mata Sundri College for Women: BSc (Hons) Mathematics
- Sri Guru Nanak Dev Khalsa College: BA (Hons) Punjabi, BSc (Hons) Mathematics, BA (Hons) Hindi, BA (Hons) Hindi Patrakarita
- Sri Aurobindo College (Evening): BA (Hons) Hindi, BA Programme combinations including Economics + Sanskrit, English + Sanskrit, Hindi + Sanskrit
- Motilal Nehru College (Evening): BA (Hons) Hindi, BA Programme combinations such as English + Mathematics, History + Sanskrit, Political Science + Sanskrit
- Shyam Lal College (Evening): BA (Hons) Hindi, BA Programme combinations including English + Computer Application, Mathematics + Computer Application, Mathematics + Economics
- Ramanujan College: BA (Hons) Hindi
- Bhaskaracharya College of Applied Sciences: BSc (Hons) Electronics, BSc (Hons) Instrumentation, BSc (Hons) Polymer Science
- Gargi College: BA (Hons) Sanskrit
These additions complement the earlier list of 26 colleges that already offered admissions based on Class 12 marks, covering a broad spectrum of disciplines in arts and sciences.
Why This Expansion Matters for Applicants
By increasing the number of colleges admitting students through Class 12 marks, Delhi University is providing more options for students who may find the CUET exam challenging or prefer to rely on their board exam performance. This can reduce the stress associated with entrance exams and potentially increase access to higher education for a wider group of students.
Moreover, this approach allows colleges to fill seats efficiently while maintaining academic standards through eligibility criteria. For students, it means a clearer, more straightforward admission process in certain programs and colleges.
However, students should be aware that this route is not open to those already enrolled in DU, and they must meet the specific eligibility requirements for their chosen course. Checking individual college notifications is crucial to understand the application process and deadlines.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can students apply through both CUET and Class 12 marks-based admission?
A: Students can apply through both routes, but if they secure admission via Class 12 marks, they cannot seek another admission through CUET for the same academic year.
Q: Are all DU colleges offering Class 12 merit-based admissions?
A: No, currently 35 colleges offer undergraduate admissions based on Class 12 marks. Other colleges continue to admit students primarily through CUET.
Q: Where can candidates find detailed eligibility criteria for these admissions?
A: Eligibility criteria and admission details are available on the official websites of the respective DU colleges offering Class 12 merit-based admissions.
