Delhi University (DU) has seen a consistent trend of more female students securing undergraduate admissions than male candidates since the launch of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) in 2022, government data presented in Parliament shows. In the academic years 2022–23, 2023–24, and 2024–25, DU admitted 34,010, 36,126, and 39,242 women students, respectively, outnumbering male admissions, which stood at 30,662, 32,425, and 33,124 for the same years.
This data was shared by Minister of State for Education Dr Sukanta Majumdar in the Lok Sabha, in response to a question regarding the impact of CUET on female enrolment, particularly from remote regions. Contrary to concerns, the number of girls appearing for CUET (UG) has steadily increased: from 4.29 lakh in 2022–23 to 5.94 lakh in 2024–25.
CUET was introduced as part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to streamline university admissions and reduce pressure on students. Initially limited to central universities, CUET is now accepted by a wide range of institutions including state, deemed, and private universities with participating institutes rising from 90 in 2022 to 240 in 2024.
Officials emphasised that the test offers a level playing field for students from diverse boards and geographies, helping bridge the access gap in higher education. The trend appears to reflect this aim, with growing enrolment of female students not just in DU, but across institutions in Delhi-NCR as well.
According to the All India Survey on Higher Education (AISHE), the number of female undergraduate students in Delhi-NCR rose from 4.09 lakh in 2020–21 to 4.91 lakh in 2022–23, a clear indication of growing participation by women in higher education.
To further encourage this trend, the government is running several schemes targeted at women in academia. The UGC’s “Development of Women’s Studies" programme supports women’s studies centres in universities and colleges.
In technical education, the AICTE’s Pragati scholarship aids meritorious female students. Meanwhile, the Department of Science and Technology operates initiatives like WISE-KIRAN and SERB-POWER to bolster the presence of women in science and research.
Source: News18