From Sikkim nominations to stage performances: DU's 10 supernumerary quota routes for UG entry

NEW DELHI: Apart from the regular admission route through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), students can also secure undergraduate seats in the Delhi University (DU) through 10 supernumerary quota categories, ranging from Sikkimese nominees and orphans to outstanding performers in sports and extra-curricular activities, with the university continuing with these provisions for the 2025-26 academic session.

These quotas, which have been part of the admission framework for years, provide additional opportunities to candidates from specific backgrounds, including differently-abled people, children of armed forces personnel, orphans, single girl children and those excelling in sports and extra-curricular activities.

The first list of seat allocations under the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS) will be released at 5 pm on Saturday. While general category and reserved category admissions will begin with the first list, admissions under the supernumerary quotas, such as extra-curricular activities (ECA), sports and children or widows of armed forces personnel (CW), will commence from the third round of seat allocation.

The university has advised the candidates to closely monitor the admission portal for updates. The trials for ECA-quota admissions are scheduled to begin on Friday and trials for the sports quota will start from July 25. The candidates have been asked to check the respective department or college websites for detailed schedules, venue information and eligibility guidelines.

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DU UG Admission 2025: Supernumerary quota

Among the supernumerary categories, 5 per cent seats in each programme are reserved for persons with benchmark disabilities (PwBD), in accordance with the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016. The eligible candidates must present a valid UDID certificate.

Similarly, 5 per cent seats are reserved for children and widows of personnel from the armed forces and paramilitary forces. Admission under this category is based on a priority system notified by the Ministry of Defence and the candidates are required to furnish a valid educational concession certificate issued by a competent authority.

The university continues to offer up to 5 per cent reservation to Kashmiri migrants in every programme. The applicants must submit a certificate of registration as a Kashmiri migrant issued by a divisional or relief commissioner of the government of Jammu and Kashmir.

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Mandatory to register on AICTE portal

Students applying under the Prime Minister's Special Scholarship Scheme (PMSSS) for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh must register on the All India Council for Technical Education's (AICTE) portal and appear in the CUET-UG.

Admissions under this scheme are carried out in coordination with the AICTE. One supernumerary seat per programme per college is reserved for female candidates under the single girl child (SGC) quota. To be eligible, the applicant must be the only child of her parents and provide an affidavit affirming the same.

In addition, two supernumerary seats, one for a male and one for a female candidate, are reserved under the orphan quota. The candidates applying under this quota must submit proof of orphan status through documentation from a government-recognised orphanage or valid death certificates of both parents.

Students admitted under this category are charged nominal fees -- Rs 10 each for admission, examination and hostel -- while mess charges are payable in accordance with actuals. The university will also admit students from Sikkim under a special arrangement with the human resource development department of the northeastern state's government.

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DU ward quota

Eligible students are nominated by the state government and must appear in the CUET-UG. After receiving the nominations, the university allocates students to specific programmes, such as BCom, BA and BSc, depending on availability. Hostel accommodation is provided and the final approval of admission lies with the vice-chancellor.

The ward quota, applicable to the children of permanent DU employees, continues as a supernumerary provision. Admissions under this quota require CUET-UG scores and a valid employment certificate issued by the university. These seats are distributed across the humanities, commerce and science streams. Up to 5 per cent seats in each programme may also be filled through the sports and ECA quotas.

Admissions under these categories are based on 75 per cent weightage to trials and certificates and 25 per cent to CUET-UG scores. The ECA categories include disciplines such as music, dance, theatre, debate, fine arts and creative writing. Students applying under the sports quota must participate in DU-approved sports trials in order to be considered for selection.

The university has advised candidates to regularly visit the admission portal -- www.admission.uod.ac.in -- for updates regarding trials, schedules, documentation and allotment lists. All applicants must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria of the programmes they are applying for and provide valid certificates at the time of admission.