DU UG Admission 2026: 3 Colleges Open via Class 12 Marks

Delhi University (DU) has long been the pinnacle of undergraduate education in India, attracting millions of aspirants every year. In a significant shift for the 2026-27 academic session, the university has announced that three of its prestigious colleges will now open undergraduate (UG) admissions based on Class 12 board marks, providing a much-needed alternative for students who may have struggled with the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) format.

This decision marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of DU’s admission policy, which has been almost exclusively CUET-centric over the last few years. At MatchToCollege, we understand that navigating these shifts can be overwhelming. As an AI-powered higher education counselling platform, we are here to break down what this means for your academic future and how you can leverage your board results to secure a seat in India’s premier university system.

The landscape of Indian higher education is undergoing a transition under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. While the CUET remains the primary gateway for most central universities, the reintroduction of Class 12 merit-based admissions in select DU colleges reflects a broader strategy to offer diverse entry points. This move is particularly beneficial for students who excel in traditional academic assessments and long-term classroom performance.

The 2026-27 cycle is expected to be highly competitive, and understanding the nuances of these three specific colleges is crucial. These institutions are not just outliers; they represent a strategic choice by the university to balance standardized testing with school-level excellence. Whether you are aiming for a Bachelor of Arts, Commerce, or specialized vocational courses, this hybrid model ensures that a wider demographic of students can access quality education without the singular pressure of a one-day entrance exam.

For parents and students alike, the announcement brings both relief and a new set of questions. Which colleges are these? What are the specific eligibility criteria? Is the application process different from the standard CSAS (Common Seat Allocation System) portal? In the following sections, we will explore the fine details of the notification, the list of participating colleges, and the mandatory deadlines.

This comprehensive guide is designed to provide you with an authoritative roadmap for the DU 2026 admissions season. By integrating MatchToCollege’s AI insights with current admission trends, we aim to empower you to make informed decisions that align with your career aspirations and academic strengths. Let’s dive into the specifics of this major DU update and ensure you don’t miss out on the last date to apply.

Delhi University has cleared Shyam Lal, Rajdhani, and Zakir Husain (Evening) colleges to admit UG students on Class 12 marks. Applications close between August 21 and August 24, 2026, to fill vacant seats after CUET rounds.

The University of Delhi (DU) has cleared three more colleges for UG admissions based on Class 12 marks. The three colleges are Shyam Lal College, Rajdhani College, and Zakir Husain Delhi College (Evening).

Each college has released a merit-based admission notice online. The facility is available only for vacant UG seats in selected programmes. Applications have started from August 20, 2026 in most colleges.

These seats remained vacant after the CUET admission process. Since regular CUET rounds could not fill all UG seats, DU has allowed colleges to conduct admissions through the Class 12 merit route.

Earlier, Aditi Mahavidyalaya and Bhagini Nivedita College were given similar permission. With this update, the route has now expanded to three more DU colleges.

College Wise Application Deadlines

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Programmes Open Under DU Class 12 Merit Route

Shyam Lal College

• B.Sc. Physical Science with Chemistry
• B.Sc. Physical Science with Electronics
• B.A. (Hons) Hindi

Rajdhani College

• B.A. (Hons) Sanskrit
• B.Sc. (Hons) Physics
• B.Sc. Physical Science with Chemistry
• B.Sc. Applied Physical Science with Industrial Chemistry
• B.A. Programme with Sanskrit and History

Zakir Husain Delhi College (Evening)

• B.A. (Hons) Persian
• B.A. (Hons) Sanskrit
• B.A. (Hons) Urdu
• B.A. Programme with Language + History/Political Science
• Available Languages: Arabic, Bengali, Persian, Sanskrit, and Urdu.

Why DU Started Class 12 Marks Admission Route

DU introduced the Class 12 marks-based admission option in 2024 to ensure that vacant seats do not remain unfilled after the admission process.

The policy was confirmed by DU Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh in 2024. In 2025, DU conducted a similar mop-up admission round for vacant seats, covering around 7,500 UG seats across different colleges.

For 2026 admissions, this route has started with five colleges so far.

Eligibility and Documents Required

Candidates must have passed Class 12 from a recognised board. The subject combination and minimum marks requirement may vary according to the programme.

Students need to carry the following documents during admission:

• Class 10 Mark Sheet and Certificate
• Class 12 Mark Sheet and Certificate
• Category Certificate (if applicable)
• Four Passport Size Photographs
• Self-attested Copies of Required Documents

How to Apply for DU Class 12 Merit Admission?

Candidates must visit the official admission page of the respective college. Every college has its own registration process and deadline.

Rajdhani College is accepting applications through a dedicated Google Form.

Applicants need to upload:

• Class 10 Mark Sheet
• Class 12 Mark Sheet
• Category Certificate (if applicable)
• Other Supporting Documents

After submission, candidates must complete physical document verification before final admission.

Submitting the application form does not guarantee admission. Colleges will prepare the merit list based on Class 12 marks, available vacancies, and eligibility criteria. Final admission will be granted only after verification and approval by the college authorities.

Why This Matters

This is the second batch of DU colleges taking this route. It shows a fallback to board scores when CUET seats stay empty.

Action Plan for Candidates

1. Visit the admissions page of Shyam Lal, Rajdhani, or Zakir Husain College.
2. Confirm eligibility for your preferred programme.
3. Fill the registration form before the college's deadline.
4. Keep Class 10, Class 12, and category certificates ready.
5. Report for physical document verification on the scheduled date.