University of Delhi Shifts Strategy: Select Colleges to Offer Admissions Based on Class 12 Marks
The University of Delhi (DU) has announced a significant shift in its undergraduate admission policy for the 2026-27 academic session. In a move that deviates from the centralized Common University Entrance Test (CUET) framework, the university has granted permission to a select list of colleges to conduct admissions based on Class 12 merit scores for specific programs.
This decision marks a notable pivot for an institution that had moved to a unified entrance exam system in 2022. However, officials clarify that this is a targeted measure for specific courses and colleges and does not signify a wholesale return to the pre-CUET era of high cut-offs for all departments.
DU colleges accepting Class 12 marks for 2026 Admissions
The colleges permitted to utilize this merit-based route include a mix of morning and evening institutions. The list features:
- Kalindi College
- P.G.D.A.V. College (Evening)
- Zakir Husain Delhi College (Evening)
- Sri Guru Gobind Singh College of Commerce
- Lakshmibai College
- Vivekanand College
- Rajdhani College
- Shyam Lal College
- Shyama Prasad Mukherji College for Women
- Aditi Mahavidyalaya
- Bhagini Nivedita College
Academic Programs Covered
The merit-based admission process encompasses a wide range of Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BSc) degrees. Key offerings include:
- BA (Honours): Hindi, Sanskrit, Persian, Urdu, Punjabi, Geography, History, Political Science, Hindi Journalism, and Social Work.
- BSc (Honours): Physics, Mathematics, and Home Science.
- Commerce: BCom and BCom (Honours).
- BA/BSc Programmes: Various combinations involving History, Political Science, Economics, Computer Applications, Psychology, Sociology, and Physical Sciences (including Chemistry, Electronics, and Informatics Practices).
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Prospective students interested in this route must ensure they have not already secured admission to another DU-affiliated college. While the criteria shift from entrance test performance to Class 12 marks, applicants must still fulfill the mandatory eligibility requirements prescribed for their chosen program.
The university strongly advises students to consult the official notice to verify if their preferred course and college are included in this specific merit-based arrangement before initiating the application process.
Understanding the Admission Shift
Since 2022, the University of Delhi has largely relied on the CUET-UG to streamline admissions, aiming to provide a level playing field for students across diverse school boards. Prior to this, the university relied on cut-off lists derived from Class 12 board percentages—a system often debated due to the varying difficulty levels and grading practices across different educational boards in India.
The current announcement provides an alternative pathway for the upcoming session, offering flexibility for specific programs. However, for the majority of courses across the university, the standard CUET-based admission processes are expected to remain in effect. Applicants are encouraged to monitor the official Delhi University admissions website regularly for further updates and specific department guidelines.
