Delhi University (DU) is facing criticism after its undergraduate admission form mistakenly listed "Muslim" as a language option, while omitting Urdu, a constitutionally recognized language. The error, discovered on Thursday, June 19, 2025, sparked outrage among students, academics, and civil society members, who deemed it a reflection of deep-seated biases.
Screenshots of the application portal circulated widely on social media, revealing "Muslim" in the list of languages under the 'mother tongue' section. The absence of Urdu, a language with significant cultural and literary heritage, further amplified the criticism. The university's admission portal was temporarily taken down before being restored with the error corrected and Urdu reinstated.
DU officials have attributed the incident to a "clerical error" and have issued a formal apology, calling it an "unintentional oversight." In a statement released on Saturday, June 21, 2025, the university expressed regret for the mistake and assured the public that corrective measures had been taken. DU urged everyone not to misinterpret the error or disrupt the institution's inclusive environment.
However, the explanation has not quelled the concerns of many within the academic community. Critics argue that the error goes beyond a simple technical glitch, reflecting a "slippage in institutional integrity." Abha Dev Habib, former member of DU's Executive Council, stated that the error reflects deep-seated biases and conflates religion with language, which is not only ignorant but also communal.
Faculty members across various departments have echoed these concerns, emphasizing that such mistakes damage the university's image. Dr. Mithuraaj Dhusiya, a member of DU's Executive Council, highlighted the importance of Urdu as an integral part of India's cultural and literary legacy, stressing the need to acknowledge and respect linguistic diversity.
The incident has ignited a broader discussion about linguistic representation and cultural sensitivity within higher education institutions. Rudrashish Chakraborty, a professor at Kirori Mal College, expressed concern that portraying "Muslim" as a language indicates an attempt to misrepresent India's largest minority community.
The controversy has also drawn attention to other discrepancies in the admission form, including the absence of Bangla and the inclusion of casteist terms under the 'Mother Tongue' category. Student bodies, such as the All India Students' Association (AISA), intervened, leading to the correction of these mistakes.
As Delhi University works to rectify the errors and address the concerns raised, the incident serves as a reminder of the importance of accuracy, inclusivity, and cultural sensitivity in educational materials and administrative processes.
