The Delhi University Undergraduate (UG) admission process 2025 has drawn sharp criticism as the varsity reopened admissions through a mop-up round, six weeks after classes commenced. The move has shifted selection criteria back to Class 12 marks, raising concerns among students and faculty. With the semester break approaching in October, newly admitted students may get just six to eight weeks of classroom teaching.
Mop-Up Round 2025: Shift from CUET to Class 12 Marks
The DU Administration initially conducted admissions based on CUET-UG 2025 scores. However, the mop-up round has reverted to using Class 12 board marks to fill thousands of vacant seats. Faculty members claim this dual approach exposes failures in both CUET and DU’s Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS). Prof Deo Kumar of Rajdhani College stated, “On one hand admission is based on CUET results and on the other hand vacant seats are being filled on Class 12 marks. How can the same university adopt two rules in the same year without taking approval of the Academic or Executive Council?”
Colleges Tasked with Admission Chaos
Unlike previous rounds, DU has not prepared a central merit list for the mop-up round. Instead, colleges must create their own merit lists within three days. Teachers-in-charge of departments have been asked to handle thousands of applications, adding pressure on faculty. A senior faculty member commented, “Are teachers supposed to become clerks? The university has simply washed its hands of the responsibility.”
Vacant and Overfilled Seats Raise Concerns
Faculty members highlight that several colleges still have large numbers of vacant seats, while others have admitted more students than their sanctioned strength. This, they argue, indicates that both CUET and CSAS have failed as models for fair admissions. Rudrashish Chakarborty, another DU faculty member, noted, “This is the sixth week of the semester. How are these students supposed to cope with six weeks of missed classes in a 14-week term?” With the semester break in October, newly admitted students may have only six to eight weeks of teaching.
Timing of Mop-Up Round Sparks Suspicion
The mop-up round concludes just before DUSU elections on 18 September 2025, prompting speculation among teachers that the timing may be politically motivated rather than purely academic. Faculty members warn that the larger picture is concerning. DU, historically known for smooth and merit-based admissions, now faces delays, confusion, and irregular seat allotments. Many argue that CUET and CSAS, introduced as reforms, have instead complicated the admission process. “This is how public universities are being systematically weakened. If the university does not course-correct, we are looking at a complete breakdown of academic credibility,” said a senior faculty member.
