Beyond CUET: Is There Still Hope To Get DU Through Sports or ECA Quota?

Ashwin
Ashwin Yadav
Retainer
5 mins readUpdated on Aug 7, 2025 10:55 IST
Table of content
  • Which route are you choosing for DU admission?
  • DU Sports and ECA Quotas: How Do They Work?
  • What Sports and Extra-Curricular Activities are recognised by DU?
  • Start Your DU Sports/ECA Admissions Journey Now!

Which route are you choosing for DU admission?

The Delhi University admissions is one of the most vibrant times of the year in an Indian students’ life. Since its introduction in 2021, Common University Entrance Test (CUET) has replaced the earlier merit-based cut-off system prevalent for DU Delhi admissions. One particular query facing students is whether they can still obtain admissions through the Sports or Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA) quota. Can passion for your favorite sport or skill still guide your path to a bright Delhi U admission?

The answer is yes. You can still get DU through the sports or ECA quota in the age of CUET. However, as choosing a college is a vital part of a student’s career path, one must be fully informed of the ins-and-outs of the current DU admissions: especially how these quotas work. Read on to learn more about the current trends in DU Colleges admissions, as well as a comprehensive guide to obtaining Delhi University Delhi admissions through the Sports or ECA quota.

Taking a Closer Look at Shiksha’s DU Admission Polls

As per a recent poll by Shiksha, students overwhelmingly prefer the conventional CUET mode of entrance to DU.

The CUET exam and its discussions come alive during the admissions season at DU. Students spend months preparing for the test, hoping to get into their preferred college. On the other hand, Delhi Vishwavidyalaya also conducts admissions via the reservation-based Sports and ECA quotas. Delhi University admission sports quota and ECA quota admissions require students to appear for trials (except for the “super category”, explained further below).

Q:   What is the marking scheme between CUET and Sports/ECA quota for DU admissions?
Q:   What is the procedure for applying for DU Sports/ECA quota admissions?
Q:   What events and titles are considered as part of the “Super” Sports quota in DU admissions?

Shiksha recently conducted a poll to find out what the average student is choosing as her/his preferred mode of DU enrollment. The vast majority of students (71%) opined that they would go for the CUET exam on its own. However, if you are a budding athlete or sportsperson, don’t be discouraged, as the sports quota is still popular among a large section of students, with 11% of the participants choosing this route. The combination of Delhi University CUET and ECA quota received 8% votes, while Foreign/NRI category and other methods received 2% and 7% votes, respectively.

Although CUET has replaced the cut-off system as the mode of DU admissions, not much has changed regarding the sports and ECA quota admissions process. As per the university guidelines, the colleges still offer seats in these domains (not more than 5%). Putting it concisely, admissions are conducted according to a combination of weightage of both CUET and Sports/ECA, with their exam score having a weightage of 25% and their certificates/trial performance weighing 75%.

Here is a simple guide to understanding the Sports and ECA quota at Delhi University entrance:

DU Sports and ECA Quotas: How Do They Work?

So, if you have decided to apply for DU Delhi admission on the basis of your ability in a specific sport or skill, where do you start? Beginning the process for college admissions, especially DU, can seem like a daunting task. However, with the right information and early timing, you can breeze through the entire process in no time.

Q:   What is the weightage given to certificates and physical trials during DU Sports/ ECA admissions?
Q:   What are the various sports and extra-curricular activities recognised by DU for Sports/ECA admissions?
Q:   Which entrance test scores are accepted by Delhi University for BTech?

Check out this simple 1-2-3 guide for the Sports/ECA quota and conquer the mountain of DUE University Delhi admissions like a champ:

  1. The CUET Stage: As stated earlier, students must still prepare and achieve decent scoring in the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), conducted by the NTA. The test carries a weightage of 25%, and according to students, it can make a big difference in the admission procedure down the line. So, take CUET seriously and prepare well.
  2. Application for Sports/ECA Quota: Once all set for the CUET exam, you can head to the official DU Delhi admissions portal. There, register for the Sports/ECA quota by uploading your performance certificates on the portal. Up to 5 certificates can be uploaded, and they must be issued between 2020-24. The Sports/ECA quota carries a weightage of 75% in the DU admission process.
  3. Physical Trials: Upon successful application, wait for the official invite from the university for the physical trials for your chosen sport/skill. Within the Sports/ECA quota system, the trials carry 75% weightage, while 25% merit will come from the certificates submitted at the time of application. For the ECA category, the weightage distribution is 70% and 30%, respectively.

Note: If you are an exceptionally seasoned athlete and have represented India at the international level, you can receive direct admission to Delhi University DU through the “Super” Sports Quota. The list of events that will render a student eligible for the Super category is mentioned below:

DU Sports Quota “Super” Category

Olympic Games

World Championships/World Cups

Commonwealth Games

Asian Games

Asian Championships

South Asian Federation Games (SAF)

Paralympic Games

-

What Sports and Extra-Curricular Activities are recognised by DU?

Now, you have the right information for applying for DU Colleges admissions through the sports or ECA quota. But what games and activities are recognized by the university for admission consideration? All the effort can go to waste if you apply for DU Sports/ECA admissions, and find out your particular sport/skill is not in the accepted list of Delhi University. Find the complete list for both Sports and ECA quota admissions below:

ECA Quota List

Writing

Dance

Debate

Digital Media

Vocal Music

Indian Instrumental Music

Western Instrumental Music

Fine Arts

Theatre

Quiz

NCC

NSS

Yoga

Divinity

 

Sports Quota List

Archery

Athletics

Baseball

Boxing

Chess

Cricket

Diving

Fencing

Gymnastics

Handball

Hockey

Judo

Kabaddi

Netball

Shooting

Softball

Squash

Swimming

Table Tennis

Tennis

Volleyball

Weightlifting

Wrestling

Kho-Kho

Taekwondo

Badminton

Basketball

Football

-

-

Start Your DU Sports/ECA Admissions Journey Now!

This was your short but comprehensive guide to navigating the murky waters of Delhi Vishwavidyalaya Sports/ECA admissions. If you need more detailed information on the overall procedure, marking scheme, and trials process for the admissions, just head to the official Delhi University website and learn more. Keep in mind to take both aspects of the selection process (CUET and the trials) seriously, and give a diligent and honest effort to both. Learn about the list of sports, the marking scheme, and the application process efficiently, and go achieve your best DU dreams. All the best!

 
Videos you may like
About the Author
author-image
Ashwin Yadav
Retainer
Hi! I am Ashwin, and I take delight in music, poetry, and writing quality content at Shiksha. Brighten the corner where you are!
Get Admission and Placement Updates about Delhi University

News & Updates

Latest NewsPopular News

Contact Details

Address

South Campus, Benito Juarez Marg,
South Moti Bagh.

North Campus, Delhi

Email

cuet-ug@nta.ac.in

(For general enquiry)

dean@admission.du.ac.in

(For admission related enquiry)

qna

Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 5 days ago

If you're not someone who is shy from checking out online courses for Data Analytics then I may have a suggestion. 

IIM skills offers a six-month Data Analytics  programme featuring live classes, lifetime access to resources, and integrated placement assistance. They not only provide a certificate bu

...Read more

R

Rohan

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago

You should definitely pursue a certificate in Financial Modelling and Valuation Post your Bcom. In Fact a friend of mine went through IIM Skills for this. He was praising them for the placement assistance they give.  Only heard good things about them be it the course structure or faculty. Maybe wort

...Read more

R

Rohan

Contributor-Level 6

Answered 2 weeks ago

Both the Hyderabad University and Delhi University are the top universities present in India. The ranking for both the universities is different. Also, the placements for both the universities is quite good. Which one is better depends on what a student is looking for in a college or university. 

I

Ishita B

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 4 days ago

If you make an error in the educational qualifications section of the MAT form, you can typically make amends during the official correction period offered by AIMA. The correction period is open for a short time after the submission of the application. You can log in with your MAT account and edit t

...Read more

A

ABHINAV SRIVASTAVA

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 6 days ago

Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Painting is an undergraduate program that builds a foundation in drawing, painting, and applied arts. For admission in College of Art, Delhi:

Apply through the Delhi University admission portal.

Appear for the Entrance Test (to assess drawing/painting skills).

Submit a Po

...Read more

B

Bhavya jaiswal

Beginner-Level 4

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, BCA is offered in some DU colleges. The University of Delhi is a central university in India that consists of various colleges offering UG and PG courses. Many DU colleges offer the BCA course, providing students with an opportunity to pursue a career in the field of computers.

M

Muskan Chugh

Beginner-Level 1

Answered 2 weeks ago

Cluster Innovation Centre admits students based on merit and entrance exam scores. Cluster Innovation Centre admission for all the programmes is subject to the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) exam conducted by NTA. Candidates, willing to apply for admission must register for CUET exams and ap

...Read more

V

Virajita Arora

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 weeks ago

Yes, B.Sc. Mathematics (Hons.) from DU, BHU, etc. can be a good base for space science, but you'll need higher studies. After graduation, you can pursue M.Sc. in Mathematics, Physics, or Astronomy, and then appear for exams like JAM, JEST, or GATE to enter institutes such as IIST, IUCAA, or even ISR

...Read more

S

Subhojeet singh sikarwar

Beginner-Level 3