Delhi University (DU) is set to extend its Single Girl Child (SGC) quota to postgraduate (PG) programs starting from the 2025-26 academic session. This move aims to promote gender equity and provide more opportunities for women in higher education.

The policy, which was first implemented for undergraduate (UG) admissions in the 2023-24 cycle, reserves one supernumerary seat in each PG program for a female candidate who is the only girl child in her family. This initiative is part of DU's broader commitment to creating an inclusive academic environment and supporting diverse student groups.

DU officials have described this step as a continuation of the university's efforts to ensure equitable access to education for all segments of society. By offering this support, the university aims to make higher education more accessible and provide equal opportunities for female students, allowing them to advance their education without barriers.

The single girl child quota will be applicable across all 77 PG programs offered by DU. Admissions to these courses are conducted through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-PG), followed by the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS). Candidates seeking admission to PG courses at DU must apply through the CSAS portal and have a valid score in CUET-PG.

In addition to the single girl child quota, DU already has supernumerary quotas in place for several other categories, including sports, persons with disabilities (PWD), children and widows of armed forces personnel, and orphans. This reflects the university's commitment to supporting students from various backgrounds and ensuring that everyone has an equal opportunity to pursue higher education.

The introduction of the single girl child quota at the undergraduate level in the 2023-24 academic year has already shown positive results. In the 2024-25 academic year, 849 students secured seats under the SGC quota, an increase from 764 in the previous session. This demonstrates the effectiveness of the policy in providing opportunities for single girl children and encouraging them to pursue higher education.

University officials have stated that this initiative aims to encourage single girl children to pursue higher education by providing additional support. The quota system covers 69 colleges and departments, with a significant number of seats allocated under this initiative.

DU's decision to extend the single girl child quota to PG courses is a welcome step towards promoting gender equality and empowering women in higher education. By providing additional support and opportunities for single girl children, the university is helping to create a more inclusive and equitable academic environment for all.