- Vacancy Crisis Despite Seven Rounds of Admissions
New Delhi. ; Even though undergraduate classes at Delhi University began on August 1, nearly 7,000 seats remain vacant after seven rounds of admissions. In response, DU has launched a final mop-up round to address the shortfall, attracting more than 21,000 applicants seeking a last chance at securing admission.
Mop-Up Round: What Makes It Different
- Unlike earlier rounds based on CUET scores, the mop-up round will rely on Class 12 marks.
- Students who missed CUET can now apply.
- Aspirants who wish to upgrade to better colleges or courses can participate.
- Vacancies are concentrated in off-campus colleges, many of which report 50–70% seats unfilled.
Recurring Problem of Vacant Seats
This is not the first time DU has struggled with vacancies. In 2022, about 5,000 seats were left unfilled. The number rose to 7,000 in 2023, dropped to 3,000 in 2024, but has spiked again in 2025. In the last three years alone, DU has lost nearly ₹21 crore in tuition fee revenue due to unoccupied seats.
Criticism of CUET Counselling
Officials attribute the problem to students not filling preferences carefully during CUET counselling. “Many students fail to prioritize their courses and colleges properly. By the time they try to upgrade, large chunks of seats remain unfilled,” said Haneet Gandhi, Dean of Admissions.
The Academic and Administrative Teachers’ Association (AADTA) has also criticized CUET, calling it a flawed system that has added hurdles and directly contributed to rising vacancies.
Mixed Reactions from Students and Parents
Parents are divided over the mop-up move—some welcome the flexibility while others argue the process has become unpredictable. For many students, however, the round is a relief. “I scored well in Class 12 but CUET didn’t go my way. This mop-up round feels like a second chance,” said Riya Sharma, an Economics Honours aspirant from Ghaziabad.
Uncertain Outcome
Whether this last-ditch effort will help DU recover from its mid-admission chaos remains to be seen. The results of the mop-up round will determine if 2025 becomes another year of record vacancies or a turning point in the university’s admission system.
Click Here for More Exams / Admission