Delhi University: Thousands of students from across India attended their first college class today

A festive buzz returned to Delhi University (DU) on Friday as the academic session for the batch of 2025–2026 commenced across its campuses, with thousands of undergraduate students stepping into college life. From vibrant posters and rose bouquets to drumming beats and cheerful chants, colleges rolled out a warm welcome to freshers, many of whom arrived with their parents in tow.

Despite waterlogged roads and traffic snarls, DU’s North Campus remained packed with enthusiastic students navigating their first day, greeted by faculty members, student volunteers, and vibrant orientation programmes aimed at easing them into university life.

The Faculty of Arts building transformed into a hub of activity, resonating with drumbeats and laughter as senior students greeted newcomers with roses and chocolates. Orientation events were conducted at both college and departmental levels to familiarise students with campus rules, facilities, classroom locations, and student societies.

Also read: Delhi: Man shot at over monetary dispute; accused absconding

According to the university administration, around 70,000 first-year students have enrolled this year across various undergraduate programmes.

A “mini-India” on campus

The influx of freshers from every corner of the country turned the DU campus into a “mini-India,” teeming with languages, traditions, and aspirations. Many students expressed gratitude for the helpful presence of seniors who guided them to classrooms and orientation venues. Parents, cameras in hand, joined their children in capturing this milestone moment.

“It’s like a dream come true for me. It feels like all my hard work and dedication finally paid off,” said Dixita Thakuria from Assam, as she began her journey at St Stephens College.

Speaking to Patriot, Thakuria, who has enrolled in History Honours, added, “Now after all these years, my hard work finally paid off and I am finally starting a new yet exciting phase of my life in the national capital. I worked day and night with dedication to score 94% in my 12th board examination. I have also studied with full dedication to get a good rank in the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) exams and finally I got my dream college.”

Her father, Deepak Thakuria, a doctor, beamed with pride. “I am very proud of my daughter as she has achieved the first step to fulfilling her goals. She got admission in the most renowned college of Delhi University through her hard work and dedication,” he said.

“We flew all the way from Assam to Delhi on July 31 so that my daughter does not miss her first day at the college. I will stay with her in Delhi till she finds a suitable accommodation,” he added.

Among the many parents was Rajesh Wasnik, who had travelled from Maharashtra to accompany his son, Taksh, on his first day at St Stephen’s College.

“I’m very proud of my son,” said Wasnik. “He scored 96% in his board exams and worked extremely hard to secure admission here.”

Stories of aspiration from across India

Another student, Anjana Krishnan from Kerala, was seen outside the Faculty of Arts with her family, trying to hail an e-rickshaw to return to her rented PG in Mukherjee Nagar. She has enrolled in the MSc Chemistry programme.

Krishnan was overwhelmed by the grandeur of the DU campus. “I didn’t expect that I would get the admission in such a big university. I still cannot believe that all this is true,” she said.

“I am looking forward to studying in this university as I am hoping that this will be the most exciting chapter of my life. I will get so much exposure at the university,” she added.

Her father, Unnikrishnan, who was present with her mother and younger sister, was moved to tears. “My daughter has fulfilled my dream by working hard day and night to get admission in Delhi University,” he said. “I don’t even have words to express my happiness. It’s like my daughter’s future is secured now.”

Adarsh Raj, a postgraduate student from Patna, who has joined the Master of Science in Computer Science programme, was visibly thrilled. “This university feels like it’s a whole new world,” he said. “The varsity campus is splendid—from the architecture to the energy of the students, everything is so vibrant and inspiring. I’ve always dreamt of studying at Delhi University, and now that I’m finally here, it still feels surreal. Being part of such a prestigious institution is a proud moment for me and my family.”

Excitement and anticipation on the first day

Nishank Yadav from Ghaziabad, who has secured admission to the LLB programme at Campus Law Centre, expressed his excitement. “It is good. I am very excited,” he said with a broad smile.

“Joining the Campus Law Centre has been a long-standing goal for me. The reputation of the faculty, the atmosphere of serious academic engagement, and the opportunity to study among some of the brightest minds in the country—it all feels very motivating. I’m looking forward to exploring the campus, attending my first classes, and immersing myself in the legal discipline.”

Raj Aryan from Bihar and his friend Chirag Wadhwa from Lajpat Nagar, Delhi, both enrolled in the Department of Computer Science, were full of anticipation. “I feel like I’m part of something big now—it’s a different feeling altogether,” said Aryan.

“There was a bit of confusion initially due to a lack of communication from the college and department, which made things slightly difficult to navigate. But the overall campus vibe is great—that classic ‘DU wali feeling’ is definitely there. The faculty seems well-connected, and the environment is clean and hygienic. It feels good to finally be here.”

Wadhwa added, “This is a proud moment for both me and Raj Aryan. Despite a few initial hiccups, the excitement of being on campus and starting this new journey makes it all worth it. The atmosphere is welcoming, and we’re both eager to dive into our coursework and campus life.”

Student groups step up to help

In a bid to support and guide freshers, student political groups such as ABVP, SFI, and NSUI set up help desks at the entrances of most colleges. Volunteers handed out campus maps, timetables, bookmarks, pens, chocolates, and other essentials.

Students affiliated with ABVP distributed roses and offered logistical assistance. Harsh Chaudhary, a senior at Hindu College, was spotted distributing stationery and chocolates while assisting freshers at the college gate.

Similarly, Ankit and Aditi from SFI were seen distributing posters and brochures to new students at their booth. NSUI also offered bookmarks, diaries, and other items to ease students’ transition into college life.

Safety and structure

To ensure a safe and welcoming environment, colleges ramped up anti-ragging measures with posters, awareness workshops, campus police deployment, and dedicated control rooms.

After years of intermittent closures due to the pandemic, the return to vibrant university life marked a new beginning not only for students but also for the faculty and staff. With excitement, nerves, and aspirations in the air, Delhi University welcomed its new cohort with open arms and festive flair.

Also read: Illegal construction surges on Yamuna floodplains despite court orders

Admissions still in progress

Meanwhile, the admission process continues. According to the university, 87,335 students have been allotted seats under the second round of the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS-UG) 2025. Of these, 24,843 are new allocations, while 27,314 candidates have been upgraded to higher preferences. Additionally, 17,922 applicants chose to freeze their earlier allotments.