OBC Students Allegedly Denied DU Admissions Due to Certificate Delays, UGC Urged for Urgent Intervention

As per a DUTA member, each year, approximately 10% of eligible OBC candidates are reportedly denied admission due to their inability to submit updated OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) certificates during the document verification process

Delhi University Teachers Association has alleged that a significant procedural hurdle is jeopardizing the academic aspirations of numerous Other Backward Classes (OBC) students seeking admission to undergraduate and postgraduate programs at the University of Delhi (DU).

As per a DUTA member, each year, approximately 10% of eligible OBC candidates are reportedly denied admission due to their inability to submit updated OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) certificates during the document verification process, a concern now escalated to the University Grants Commission (UGC) for immediate redressal.

In a letter addressed to the UGC Chairman, Anand Prakash, a member of the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA) Executive and former member of the Commission for OBC, Government of NCT of Delhi, highlighted the recurring issue that disproportionately affects students from rural and underprivileged backgrounds. The letter, dated June 23, 2025, underscores how administrative delays in obtaining updated OBC (NCL) certificates from local authorities often lead to the disqualification of otherwise eligible candidates, undermining the principles of social justice and inclusion enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

The Core Issue

According to Prakash, the rigid deadlines imposed by DU for submitting OBC (NCL) certificates create an unfair barrier for many students. “A large number of students, particularly from rural and underprivileged backgrounds, face significant delays in procuring updated certificates due to bureaucratic inefficiencies at local administrative levels,” the letter states. These delays, often beyond the students’ control, result in their exclusion from the admission process, despite meeting all other eligibility criteria.

His letter states that nearly 10% of OBC applicants miss out on admission opportunities at DU annually due to this procedural bottleneck. This not only deprives deserving candidates of access to higher education but also perpetuates systemic inequities, contradicting the spirit of inclusive education policies.

Proposed Solution

To address this issue, Prakash has urged the UGC to intervene and direct the DU administration to introduce a grace period of 15–20 days for OBC students to submit their updated OBC (NCL) certificates. This provision, he argues, would account for genuine administrative or systemic delays and ensure that no student is unfairly denied admission. The proposed grace period is expected to:

Promote Equitable Access: Ensure that OBC students, especially from marginalized backgrounds, are not penalized for procedural delays beyond their control.

Reduce Dropout Rates: Minimize rejection rates caused by documentation issues, allowing more students to pursue their academic goals.

Uphold Constitutional Values: Align DU’s admission processes with the principles of social justice and inclusion, fostering a more inclusive higher education ecosystem.

The issue raised by Prakash resonates with broader concerns about access to education for marginalized communities in India. OBC students, who benefit from reservation policies designed to level the playing field, often face systemic challenges that hinder their ability to exercise these rights. The lack of flexibility in DU’s admission process exacerbates these challenges, particularly for students from rural areas where access to administrative services is limited.

“This is not just a procedural issue; it’s a matter of social justice,” Prakash emphasized in his letter. “Denying admission to eligible students due to delays in certificate issuance undermines the very purpose of reservation policies and negatively impacts the academic futures of deserving candidates.”

Prakash’s letter concludes with a heartfelt appeal to the UGC to take cognizance of this recurring problem and implement corrective measures. “We sincerely hope that the UGC will act swiftly to address this issue and ensure that DU’s admission process becomes more inclusive and accommodating,” he wrote.

The request has sparked discussions among student groups and academic circles, with many calling for broader reforms in the admission processes of central universities to address similar challenges faced by reserved category students. As of now, the UGC has not issued an official response, but stakeholders are hopeful that the commission will prioritize this issue to safeguard the rights of OBC students.