As Delhi University moves into its fourth year of CUET-based admissions, BCom (Hons) has once again emerged as the most popular undergraduate programme, drawing the highest number of applications across its 69 colleges. Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) continues its reign as the top choice for applicants, receiving the maximum number of first-preference selections.
For the academic session 2025–26, the university recorded over 3.05 lakh registrations, marking the highest number of applicants since the introduction of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET). Among these, 2.39 lakh candidates completed Phase II of the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS) by submitting their programme and college preferences after the CUET results were announced on June 17.
The preference data reveals strong trends in favour of commerce-based programmes:
- BCom (Hons) led with 19.90 lakh preferences, followed by BCom (15.26 lakh) and BA (Hons) English (12.23 lakh).
- Among BA programme combinations, History + Political Science (7.60 lakh) topped the list, with Economics + Political Science (3.88 lakh) and English + Economics (3.49 lakh) following closely.
- In terms of first-choice selections, BCom (Hons) saw 48,336 candidates, significantly ahead of BA (Hons) Political Science (15,295) and BSc (Hons) Zoology (12,722).
| Rank | Programme | First Preference Submissions |
| 1 | BCom (Hons) | 48,336 |
| 2 | BA (Hons) Political Science | 15,295 |
| 3 | BSc (Hons) Zoology | 12,722 |
On the institutional front, SRCC received 38,795 first-preference submissions, cementing its position as the most coveted college. It was followed by:
- Hindu College – 31,901
- Hansraj College – 15,902
- St. Stephen’s College – 12,413
- Miranda House – 11,403
In total, students submitted an astounding 1.68 crore programme-college preferences, with each candidate allowed to choose from 1,549 possible combinations. One applicant even listed 1,414 preferences, while the average stood at 83 per candidate.
Most Preferred DU Colleges by First Preference
| Rank | College | First Preference Submissions |
| 1 | Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC) | 38,795 |
| 2 | Hindu College | 31,901 |
| 3 | Hansraj College | 15,902 |
| 4 | St. Stephen’s College | 12,413 |
| 5 | Miranda House | 11,403 |
Of those who submitted preferences:
- 1.27 lakh (53.06%) were female candidates
- 1.12 lakh (46.93%) were male
- Three candidates identified as transgender
- The university also received:
- 512 applications under the Orphan Quota (221 females, 291 males)
- 7,243 applications under the Single Girl Child Quota
This year, admissions are being conducted for 71,642 seats across 79 undergraduate programmes in 69 colleges and university departments.
Trends Since CUET Implementation
The 2025 admission cycle reflects both continuity and evolution. Commerce courses like BCom and BCom (Hons) have consistently led the preference charts since CUET was introduced in 2022. That year, nine of the ten most popular college-programme combinations were commerce-related. The pattern persisted through 2023 and 2024.
BA (Hons) English and Political Science also remain popular, while institutions like Kirori Mal, Hindu, Hansraj, and SRCC continue to attract the largest applicant pools.
Despite a slight dip from the previous two years (2.45 lakh applicants in 2023 and 2024), this year’s 2.39 lakh candidates still reflect a strong interest in DU’s academic offerings.
What’s Next?
Candidates have until 11:59 PM on July 16 to revise their preferences. The first CSAS seat allocation list will be published on July 19 at 5 PM, kickstarting the next phase of the admission process.
The CUET-based system has largely stabilized over the years, with features like simulated ranks and preference revision windows becoming standard. However, this year saw a notable increase in the number of programme-college combinations selected by students — an indicator of growing applicant awareness and strategic planning.
As the competition intensifies, Delhi University’s commerce and humanities courses, along with its top-tier colleges, remain firmly in the spotlight.
Discover the latest Business News, Sensex, and Nifty updates. Obtain Personal Finance insights, tax queries, and expert opinions on Moneycontrol or download the Moneycontrol App to stay updated!
