Quick Summary
Based in New Delhi, India, University of Delhi is a public central university with roots dating back to 1922. Ranked #328 globally by QS World University Rankings 2026, it enrolls 500000 students including 1.2% from outside India. Known for strengths in Development Studies, Sociology, History, it maintains an acceptance rate of 5%.
01
Institutional Profile
Who they are
With 91 constituent colleges — including St. Stephen's and SRCC — spread across a North and South campus system, Delhi University offers a scale and affordability that has made it a launching pad for generations of Indian political and entertainment figures.
Subject Strengths
Development StudiesSociologyHistoryGeographyLawPhysicsChemistry
Founded1922
TypePublic Central University
Total Students500000
Intl Students1.2%
Faculty Ratio25
CampusUrban / Multi-campus
Campus Size450 acres
Affiliated HospitalsVallabhbhai Patel Chest Institute,Maulana Azad Medical College,Lady Hardinge Medical College
AccreditationNAAC (Grade A++)
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Global Standing
Three independent ranking systems
QS World 2026
#328
Quacquarelli Symonds
Times Higher Ed
#601–800
THE World University
ARWU Shanghai
#601-700
Academic Ranking
03
Academics & Research
What you can study
Undergraduate,Postgraduate,M.Phil,PhD,Diploma,Certificate
Programs
Available across all faculties, admitted via the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-PhD) or the university's own research entrance test depending on the department.
PhD Programs
Offered through the School of Open Learning (SOL) and various UGC-approved online degree programs.
Online Programs
Institute of Economic Growth,Developing Countries Research Centre,Center for Environmental Management of Degraded Ecosystems,Agricultural Economics Research Centre
Research Centers
High raw research volume given its size, but its global rankings (QS 328, ARWU 601-700) show output concentrated more in social sciences and humanities than the natural sciences ARWU weights most heavily.
Research Output
NAAC (Grade A++)
Accreditation
04
Admissions Brief
What it takes to get in
Entry Requirements
Acceptance Rate5%
IELTS6.5
TOEFL80
Min GPANot Available
GRENot Available
GMATNot Available
SATNot Available
ACTNot Available
Key Dates
FALLApplication Deadline · July 31
MAR-APRDecisions Released
Required Documents
TranscriptsSOPEnglish ScoresLORsPassport
Insider Tip
Admission is primarily via the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG and CUET-PG). Candidates must register on the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS) portal and prioritize college preferences meticulously based on previous year cut-offs.
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Cost Ledger
Amounts in Indian Rupee
UG Tuition
₹20,000/yr
per year · INR
Living Cost
₹290,000/yr
per year · INR
PG Tuition
₹28,000/yr
per year · INR
Application Fee
$10
one time · USD
Total Estimated Annual Cost
₹340,000/yr
tuition + living + essentials · INR
Scholarships AvailableIncludes UGC/AICTE central government scholarships, DU's own merit-cum-means schemes, and college-specific need-based awards.
Avg Scholarship$500
Financial AidAvailable through central government schemes like the National Scholarship Portal and college-level need-based support.
Work-StudyNo formal university-wide work-study program; some colleges offer limited on-campus assistantship roles.
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Featured & Popular Programs
A sample from Undergraduate,Postgraduate,M.Phil,PhD,Diploma,Certificate programs total
| Program | Level | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| B.Com (Hons) | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
| B.A. (Hons) Economics | MASTER | 1-2 YRS |
| B.A. (Hons) Political Science | PHD | 3-5 YRS |
| LLB | MBA | 12-24 MO |
| MBA | BACHELOR | 3-4 YRS |
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Career Outcomes
Where graduates land
$9,000
Average Salary After Graduation
78%
Employment Rate
Internship PlacementHighly active placement cells in top-tier colleges like SRCC, St. Stephens, and LSR facilitate internships with global firms.
Industry Connections
Strong institutional ties with firms like KPMGDeloitteEYMcKinseyand various Indian government ministries.
Notable Alumni
Narendra Modi,Amitabh Bachchan,Shah Rukh Khan,Aung San Suu Kyi,Shashi Tharoor
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Campus & Student Life
Life beyond lectures
Housing
Yes, though availability varies by constituent college — many North Campus colleges offer limited on-campus hostel seats allocated by merit and category quotas.
Sports Facilities
Delhi University Stadium, cricket grounds, indoor sports complexes, and specialized athletic tracks.
Student Clubs
Delhi University Students Union (DUSU), Dramatics Society, Debating Society, Enactus chapters.
Library Resources
Delhi University Library System (DULS) with over 1.6 million books and extensive digital subscriptions.
Exchange Programs
Bilateral agreements with universities such as Heidelberg University and the National University of Singapore, arranged through individual departments and colleges rather than a single centralized office.
Summer Programs
Summer certificate courses and study-abroad summer schools are offered through individual colleges rather than a university-wide program.