Delhi University To Reserve Seats For Single Girl Children In Postgraduate Courses

Starting from the 2025-26 academic session, Delhi University has put forward a proposal to set aside one seat in each of its postgraduate programs specifically for single girl children. This initiative mirrors the university's existing policy at the undergraduate level, where one seat per course is already reserved for this demographic, a move that was first implemented in the 2023-24 admission cycle. Over the past year, this policy has successfully facilitated the admission of 764 students across 69 colleges, demonstrating the university's commitment to supporting single girl children in their educational pursuits.

The university's plan to extend this reservation to postgraduate courses will be deliberated in an upcoming academic council meeting scheduled for Friday. Delhi University offers a broad spectrum of 77 postgraduate programs, all of which will be included under this new quota if the proposal receives the green light. This decision underscores the institution's ongoing efforts to provide equal educational opportunities and foster an inclusive academic environment.

Admission to postgraduate courses at Delhi University is a competitive process, with over 90,000 applicants vying for approximately 13,500 seats during the 2023-24 cycle. The selection process involves the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) followed by the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS), ensuring a fair and transparent method of admission. By introducing a specific reservation for single girl children at the postgraduate level, the university aims to further its mission of encouraging women to pursue higher education.

At present, Delhi University already allocates seats to various other categories, including sports, persons with disabilities (PwD), children and widows of armed forces personnel (CW), and orphaned children. This wide range of reserved seats highlights the university's comprehensive approach to inclusivity and support for students from diverse backgrounds. Adding a quota for single girl children at the postgraduate level is seen as a natural extension of these efforts, aiming to break down barriers that may prevent women from advancing their education.

Officials at Delhi University have expressed their belief that by reserving seats for single girl children in postgraduate programs, the institution can play a pivotal role in empowering women through education. This initiative not only serves to support individual students but also contributes to the broader goal of gender equality in higher education. The proposal's approval would mark a significant step forward in the university's ongoing commitment to fostering an environment where all students, regardless of their background, have the opportunity to succeed.