Delhi University’s new undergraduate admissions portal has landed in hot water, sparking widespread criticism over a cultural and linguistic misstep. As students accessed the platform beginning June 20, many were shocked to find “Muslim” listed as a mother tongue—an erroneous classification that not only misidentifies a religion as a language but also notably omitted “Urdu,” a constitutionally recognized language spoken widely among Indian Muslims.

Delhi University Acknowledges Admission Form Error

In response to the outcry, the university quickly issued a public statement calling the listing an “unintentional oversight.” Posted on the official X (formerly Twitter) account, DU expressed regret and emphasized that no harm was intended. “The University of Delhi sincerely regrets the inadvertent error in its admission form,” the statement read. “Attributing ulterior motives to this oversight is unwarranted. We urge everyone to help preserve the university’s inclusive and harmonious environment.”

However, this admission has done little to quell concerns, especially as Urdu—recognized under the Eighth Schedule of the Indian Constitution—was absent from the language options entirely. Critics argue that such omissions raise questions about cultural sensitivity and representation in academic institutions.

CSAS 2025–26: Key Details for Undergraduate Applicants

The controversy coincides with the launch of Delhi University’s Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS) for the 2025–26 academic year, which opened officially on June 17. This year, the admissions process is based solely on CUET-UG 2025 scores, part of a broader push toward standardized entrance tests in India’s higher education landscape.

Applicants must first register using their CUET UG roll number, followed by the submission of personal and academic details. Required documents include category certificates (if applicable), EWS or PWD certificates, and other credentials. The portal automatically pulls in CUET scores, but students must manually verify and confirm all other information.

In the next phase, students can choose their preferred undergraduate programs and affiliated colleges. This year, DU is offering 79 undergraduate courses across 69 colleges, with a total of 71,624 seats available. For real-time updates and official information, applicants are encouraged to visit the Delhi University Admissions Portal.

What This Means for Higher Education Policies

This incident shines a light on the critical need for accuracy and sensitivity in digital systems used for public services—especially in diverse nations like India. As the centrality of platforms like CUET and CSAS grows, so does the responsibility of institutions to uphold inclusive practices. Recognizing and respecting linguistic diversity isn’t just procedural—it’s foundational to equitable access in education.

That said, Delhi University’s swift response and public apology are steps in the right direction. Going forward, how the university implements corrective measures and ensures future accuracy will likely shape public trust in its systems.