New Delhi – Delhi University (DU) has issued an official announcement permitting certain affiliated colleges to admit undergraduate students based on their Class 12 board examination marks for specific courses. This policy marks a significant deviation from the previous mandatory Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) for all admissions, offering a new pathway for prospective students entering the 2024-25 academic session.

The decision empowers eligible colleges within the university framework to opt for Class 12 scores as a primary criterion for admission to designated undergraduate programs. This move aims to provide greater autonomy to participating institutions and potentially streamline the admission process for students applying to these specialized courses. The university's announcement outlines the framework under which colleges can implement this alternative admission method.

The shift introduces a dual admission track within Delhi University. While the CUET-UG will remain the standard admission route for the majority of courses across most colleges, the new provision allows for specific programs, often those with unique requirements or smaller intake capacities, to revert to a merit-based system derived from Class 12 academic performance. This change reflects ongoing discussions within the higher education sector regarding the efficacy and accessibility of standardized entrance examinations versus traditional academic records.

Key details of the new admission policy include:

  • Eligibility: Only designated colleges and specific courses, as approved by Delhi University, will be able to utilize Class 12 marks for admissions. The university's official communication is expected to detail the criteria for colleges to opt-in.
  • Application Process: Students interested in these particular courses will likely need to apply directly to the concerned colleges or through a specialized university portal, distinct from the main CUET-UG application process.
  • Academic Session: The policy is slated for implementation beginning with the undergraduate admissions cycle for the academic year 2024-25.
  • Transparency: Participating colleges are mandated to clearly communicate their chosen admission criteria and selection process to ensure transparency for applicants.

The university administration has indicated that the intent behind this policy is to offer flexibility and recognize the diverse academic profiles of students. It also aims to address specific needs of certain programs where a direct correlation with Class 12 subject performance is deemed more relevant than a broad-based entrance test. Further specifics regarding the list of eligible colleges and courses are anticipated to be released by Delhi University in the coming weeks, providing clarity for students preparing for the upcoming admission cycle. Prospective applicants are advised to regularly check the official Delhi University website and the websites of individual colleges for updated information.