Auto-Upgrade in DU Admissions Will Prevent Seat Loss: VC Yogesh Singh on 2025 UG, PG Reforms

Speaking with Shiksha.com, Delhi University Vice Chancellor said that Fourth Year for UG Courses is Key to NEP Success. Delhi University introduces key reforms in CUET-based UG, PG admissions; over 84,000 seats on offer across programs

As Delhi University (DU) launches the admission cycle for the academic year 2025-26, major changes have been made to streamline the process for both undergraduate and postgraduate applicants. In an exclusive interview with Shiksha.com, DU Vice Chancellor Prof Yogesh Singh elaborated on the university’s admission reforms, launch of new programs, CSAS platform upgrades, hostel expansions, and special support for underrepresented student groups.

With over 71,000 undergraduate and 13,500 postgraduate seats, and the integration of CUET UG and PG scores, DU aims to make the admissions process more transparent, efficient, and inclusive. Here’s the full conversation:

Q. What are the major changes in this year’s UG admission process through CSAS?

Prof Yogesh Singh: The Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS) for undergraduate admissions remains structurally similar to last year, but we’ve addressed some critical pain points. One big change is that students who opt for "upgrade" will now get automatic seat acceptance if a higher preference is allotted. Last year, many students lost better seats because they didn’t manually accept upgrades in time.

Also, for tie-breaking in CUET-UG scores, we’ve replaced the arbitrary alphabetical order with a scientific criterion—Class 10 marks. This is fairer and gives students with stronger academic consistency an edge.

Q. How many seats are available this year for UG and PG programs?

Prof Yogesh Singh: We are offering 71,000+ seats for UG programs and 13,500+ seats for PG. PG admissions are through CUET-PG, and we’ve already released the first allocation list for PG programs. For UG, we are closely aligned with NTA’s release of CUET-UG results.

 Q. Have any new programs been introduced for 2025-26?

Prof Yogesh Singh: Yes, we’ve introduced two new postgraduate courses this year:

MA in Tourism Management with 50 seats

MA in Hindi Patrakarita (Journalism) with 50 seats

Besides, we’re launching a five-year integrated UG-PG program under the Centre for Hindu and Tribal Traditions (CHAT). This will offer innovative courses like BLEB and BBLEB, combining liberal education with Indian knowledge systems.

Q. The fourth year in UG under NEP has seen mixed response. How is DU pushing it this year?

Prof Yogesh Singh: The fourth year is the most important reform under NEP. It opens doors to research, multi-disciplinarity, and early career opportunities. Students should not fear it. They’ll be able to exit after three years with a degree if they wish. But completing the fourth year leads to an Honours with Research or Honours with Discipline, which will also be helpful for higher studies abroad and in India.

Q. Has there been any hike in fees? What about hostel facilities?

Prof Yogesh Singh: There’s no major hike. A small 7–8% increase may happen to adjust for inflation. Regarding hostels, we are continuously expanding capacity. DU already has a strong hostel ecosystem, and several new hostels are under construction. Additionally, many students find affordable accommodation around our colleges.

Q. What about the School of Open Learning (SOL) and its offerings this year?

Prof Yogesh Singh: SOL admissions are open for 2025-26 and can be done through both CUET and non-CUET (merit-based) routes, depending on the course.

We offer a wide range of UG and PG programs at SOL, including:

BA, BCom, MA, MCom, MBA, MLIS, BLIS

Dual degrees are allowed—students can do one regular and one open/distance degree as per UGC guidelines.

The last date for SOL applications is expected to be September 15, 2025, but it may be revised based on the UGC-DEB’s academic calendar.

Use your CUET scores wisely, explore our courses and support systems, and don’t hesitate to take the fourth year or explore research opportunities.