DU Admissions 2026: CUET-UG Mandatory With Strict Class 12 Subject Rule

Delhi University (DU) has officially released the undergraduate (UG) admissions prospectus for the academic year 2026-27, reaffirming that the Common University Entrance Test for Undergraduate programmes (CUET-UG) 2026 will be the only criterion for regular UG admissions and that no relaxation will be given on Class 12 subject eligibility. The decision underscores the university’s commitment to maintaining a standardised, merit-based selection process across all its constituent and affiliated colleges.

Under the newly published information bulletin, DU has made it clear that all applicants to regular UG courses must appear in CUET-UG 2026 and that admission offers will be based exclusively on CUET scores. This marks a continuation of the admission framework introduced in recent years, where the varsity shifted away from any direct reliance on Class 12 board marks for merit lists — instead largely depending on performance in the national level test.

CUET-UG Strict Subject Eligibility: No Exceptions

A standout feature of DU’s admission policy this year is the strict enforcement of subject eligibility aligned with the student’s Class 12 curriculum. While the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the National Testing Agency (NTA) allow CUET candidates to opt for subjects irrespective of whether they were studied at the senior secondary level, Delhi University has chosen to uphold its own criteria. According to the prospectus, only those subjects that a student has studied in Class 12 will be accepted for eligibility and admission decisions.

This means that even if a candidate appears in a CUET subject they did not study in their board exams, DU will not count that subject for admission eligibility into a corresponding honours or programme stream. This policy applies uniformly across all regular UG programmes offered by the university.

Why the Rule Matters

The university’s stance has significant implications for aspirants who might have hoped to leverage CUET’s broader subject flexibility to switch academic domains. For example, a student with a science-focused Class 12 background cannot choose to appear in purely humanities-oriented CUET subjects unless they are directly tied to a subject studied in 12th grade or can be mapped via DU’s equivalence criteria.

To address cases where a CUET subject does not exactly match a board subject, DU has prescribed equivalence guidelines — candidates may be asked to opt for a closely related paper. The prospectus clarifies that the university will determine equivalence based on syllabus overlap of at least 50 per cent, and the final decision on equivalence rests with DU authorities.

CUET Subject Combinations and Lists Remain Unchanged

DU has also confirmed that there are no changes to its subject combination lists used for eligibility and seat allocation. The longstanding List-A and List-B framework — which outlines approved languages and domain subjects for various UG courses — will remain the same as in the previous admission cycle. Applicants are urged to review these lists carefully before finalising their CUET subject preferences.

Separate Routes for SOL, NCWEB, and Foreign Students

It is important to note that DU’s CUET-only admission rule applies to regular on-campus undergraduate programmes. The School of Open Learning (SOL) and the Non-Collegiate Women’s Education Board (NCWEB) will continue to admit students based on Class 12 board marks and follow their separate admissions process. Likewise, foreign national applicants have a dedicated admissions route and are not bound by CUET in the same way.

Registration and Next Steps

Prospective students can register for CUET-UG 2026 through the official NTA portal and then complete the DU CSAS (Common Seat Allocation System) registration to participate in counselling and seat allocation. Applicants are advised to consult the official admission bulletin on Delhi University’s website for full eligibility details, procedural guidelines, and deadlines.

Bottom Line: DU’s 2026 admissions policy reinforces a CUET-based merit system with no relaxation on Class 12 subject requirements, emphasizing the importance of strategic subject selection and compliance with university criteria to secure a seat in one of India’s most sought-after higher education institutions.

Written by Simran

Simran is currently working as a Senior Content Writer at Findmycollege , where she creates engaging and research-driven learning resources for students. She has completed her Graduation in Journalism from Delhi University. With 4 years of experience in the EdTech industry, she has previously contributed to leading platforms like Leverage Edu and Aakash. Her expertise lies in simplifying Engineering and Medical entrance exam content to guide aspirants in their preparation journey. Beyond writing, Simran enjoys sketching, watching movies, and finding creative inspiration in everyday life.

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