All about University of Delhi (DU) - Courses, Scholarships, Rankings, FAQ, Review

Established in 1922, the University of Delhi (DU) is one of India’s premier public universities located in the national capital of India, New Delhi. DU is a renowned institution for higher education, offering undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs in various streams such as Arts, Science, Commerce, Law, and Management, among others. With a glorious history and numerous accolades, the university has become one of the most sought-after institutions for students in India. In this article, we will dive deep into the history, workings, and rankings of Delhi University, along with the pros and cons of getting into this prestigious institution. We will also answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the university and highlight some of the notable alumni who have graduated from DU.

Delhi University traces its origins to the establishment of two educational institutions - the Delhi College and the Hindu College - in the late 19th century. The former was founded in 1792, while the latter was established in 1899. Both these institutions were merged in 1922 to form the University of Delhi, which initially offered courses in Arts, Science, and Languages. Over the years, the university expanded and now comprises 16 faculties, 86 departments, and more than 80 colleges spread across the city.

Delhi University offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and research programs in various streams such as Arts, Science, Commerce, Law, and Management, among others. Some of the popular courses offered at DU include BA, BSc, BCom, BBA, LLB, MA, MSc, MCom, MBA, and PhD. The admission process for DU usually begins in May/June, and candidates can apply for various courses based on their eligibility criteria. The admission process includes an entrance exam followed by an interview and document verification.

Also, Read All about AICTE

DU COURSES & FEES

SCHOLARSHIP UNDER DU

Delhi University (DU) is committed to providing its students with access to quality education, and to this end, it offers a range of scholarships to deserving students. These scholarships aim to support students financially and help them pursue their academic goals. DU offers various scholarships for undergraduate, postgraduate, and other programs. Some of the major scholarships offered at DU are:

The Sungum Sudhaar Scholarship Endowment is a unique scholarship offered at DU, which is valued at INR 16,000 per month for a maximum of three years or until the submission of the Ph.D. thesis, whichever is earlier. This scholarship is payable out of the interest earned from the endowment of INR 3 crore donated to Delhi University by Prof. Madan Gopal Seth.

South Campus Endowment Scholarships - DU offers various endowment scholarships to students of South Campus. These scholarships are granted based on merit, and students can apply for them online. DU also offers merit-based scholarships for students belonging to SC/ST/OBC categories studying in professional/technical colleges, institutions, and universities.

Overall, the scholarships offered by DU can be a great support for students who face financial challenges in pursuing their academic goals. These scholarships provide financial assistance and encourage students to focus on their studies without worrying about financial constraints.

RANKINGS OF DU

 PROS OF DU:

Reputed Institutions: DU has a legacy of over 100 years and is one of the most reputed educational institutions in India. It is a well-known fact that a degree from DU holds a lot of value in the job market, and many employers give preference to candidates who have graduated from DU.

World-class Faculty: DU has some of the best faculties in the country, with many renowned professors and scholars teaching at the university. The faculty members are highly qualified and experienced in their respective fields and are always ready to provide guidance and support to their students.

Wide Range of Courses: DU offers a wide range of courses across various disciplines, including arts, sciences, commerce, law, management, and engineering. Students can choose from a variety of courses, depending on their interests and career goals.

Vibrant Campus Life: DU is known for its vibrant campus life and the various extracurricular activities that it offers. Students can participate in sports, cultural events, debates, and other activities that help them develop their skills and talents and provide them with a well-rounded education.

Access to Research Opportunities: DU offers excellent research opportunities for students who are interested in pursuing research in their chosen field. The university has several research centers and institutes that provide students with the necessary resources and infrastructure to carry out their research projects.

CONS OF DU:

High Cut-Offs: DU is known for its high cut-offs, which can be a deterrent for students who do not have high academic scores. This can result in a lot of stress and pressure for students who are trying to get admission to the university.

Limited Seats: DU has a limited number of seats, and the competition for admission is fierce. This can be a problem for students who are unable to secure admission to their preferred course or college.

Infrastructure: While DU has some of the best faculties and courses in the country, its infrastructure is not up to par with many other universities. The classrooms, laboratories, and other facilities are often overcrowded and outdated, which can hinder the learning process.

Heavy Workload: DU has a rigorous academic curriculum, and students are expected to complete a lot of coursework and assignments in a short period. This can be challenging for students who are not used to such a heavy workload and can result in stress and burnout.

Lack of Diversity: Despite having a diverse student community, DU has been criticized for being elitist and not providing equal opportunities to students from different backgrounds. This can result in a lack of diversity in the classroom and can hinder the overall learning experience for students.

5 MOST ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS DU

Why is DU so famous?

Delhi University (DU) is a prestigious institution with a long-standing reputation for excellence in academics and extracurricular activities. Its affordable fee structure, location, and diverse range of activities are some of the factors behind its widespread popularity. Graduates from DU have great prospects in finding employment opportunities in well-known multinational corporations and banks. The institution boasts a roster of famous alumni from various fields, further adding to its prestige. 

For instance, Amitabh Bachchan, Rahul Gandhi, and PM Narendra Modi are among the most notable alumni of DU. The colleges under DU are equipped with top-notch facilities, and regular fests are held to celebrate and promote the students' talents. Additionally, the university provides hostel facilities to its students, making it an attractive option for those seeking quality education at a reasonable price.

What is the difference between North Campus and South Campus?

Answer: The University of Delhi has two main campuses - North Campus and South Campus. North Campus is located in the heart of Delhi and is home to many prestigious colleges, including St. Stephen's College, Hindu College, and Miranda House. South Campus is located in the southern part of Delhi and is home to many science and technology-focused colleges, such as Sri Venkateswara College and Acharya Narendra Dev College.

How can I be admission to DU?

Taking admission to DU involves registering online through the official website and applying for the respective entrance exams. The admission process for DU in 2022 differs for entrance-based and merit-based undergraduate and postgraduate programs. For merit-based programs, admission is based on scores obtained in CUET 2022. The online registration process requires applicants to fill out an application form and pay the application fee to complete the process. Upon admission confirmation, candidates must pay the course fees. The accepted entrance exams for BA include CUET, DUET, DU JAT, CTET, and others. 

What are the popular courses offered by DU?

Answer: The University of Delhi offers a wide range of courses across multiple disciplines. Some of the most popular undergraduate courses include B.A. (Honours) in English, History, Political Science, and Economics. Some of the most popular postgraduate courses include M.A. in English, History, Political Science, and Economics.

What is the fee structure for DU courses?

Answer: The fee structure for DU courses varies depending on the course and level of study. Generally, the fees for undergraduate courses range from Rs. 10,000 to Rs. 40,000 per year, while the fees for postgraduate courses range from Rs. 20,000 to Rs. 70,000 per year.

What is campus life like at DU?

Answer: The campus life at DU is vibrant and diverse. The university has a number of societies and clubs that students can join, ranging from sports clubs to cultural societies. The campus also hosts a number of events and festivals throughout the year, such as the annual cultural festival 'Antardhwani' and the sports like ‘National Youth Festival 2023’. The university also has a number of libraries, cafeterias, and sports facilities to cater to the needs of its students.

DU NOTABLE ALUMNI

Delhi University has produced some of the most prominent and influential figures in India. The university has an extensive list of notable alumni who have made significant contributions in various fields. Here are some of the most famous alumni of Delhi University:

Sanjeev Bikhchandani: Sanjeev Bikhchandani is a successful Indian businessman and the founder of Info Edge (India) Ltd. He is the mind behind the famous job portal Naukri.com and also the co-founder of Ashoka University. He completed his BA (Hons) in Economics from St. Stephen's College.

Amitabh Bachchan: Amitabh Bachchan is one of the most celebrated actors in Indian cinema. He has acted in numerous blockbuster movies and is known for his iconic roles. He completed his BSc (General) from Kirori Mal College.

Amitav Ghosh: Amitav Ghosh is a renowned Indian writer who is famous for his English-language historical fiction. His novels are widely acclaimed and have won several literary awards. He completed his BA (Hons) in English from St. Stephen's College.

Aung San Suu Kyi: Aung San Suu Kyi is a Burmese politician and diplomat who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1991. She served as State Counsellor of Myanmar and Minister of Foreign Affairs from 2016 to 2021. She completed her BA (Hons) in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College for Women.

Shahrukh Khan: Shahrukh Khan, also known as SRK, is one of the most popular actors in Hindi cinema. He has acted in several critically acclaimed movies and has won numerous awards for his performances. He completed his BA (Hons) in Economics from Hansraj College.

Imtiaz Ali: Imtiaz Ali is a well-known Indian film producer, director, actor, and writer who has worked in Hindi cinema. He is known for his films that explore love and human relationships. He completed his BA (Hons) in English from Hindu College.

Sheila Dixit: Late Sheila Dixit was an Indian politician and the longest-serving Chief Minister of Delhi. She served for a period of 15 years beginning in 1998 and was the longest-serving female chief minister of any Indian state. She completed her MA in History from Miranda House.

 Also, Read Know all about University grants commission UGC