University of Delhi

University of Delhi

Latin: Universitas Delhii
Motto	Nishtha Dhriti Satyam
Motto in English	Dedication, Steadfastness, Truth
Type	Public
Established	1922
Chancellor	Vice President of India
Location	New Delhi , Delhi , India
Campus	Urban
Affiliations	UGC, NAAC, AIU, ACU, Universitas 21

The University of Delhi (DU), also known as Delhi University, is a premier public university located in New Delhi, India. Founded in 1922 by an Act of the Central Legislative Assembly, the university was established to promote excellence in higher education and has since become one of India's leading institutions of higher learning.

History

The University of Delhi was established in 1922 with the initial support of the British colonial government. Its founding was part of a larger movement to improve higher education standards across India. The university started with three colleges—St. Stephen's College, Hindu College, and Ramjas College—and had less than a thousand students. Over the decades, it has grown into a large, vibrant institution with over 150,000 students and more than 80 academic departments.

Campus

The university operates across two main campuses — the North Campus and the South Campus. The North Campus hosts the majority of the academic departments and is known for its notable architecture and verdant surroundings. The South Campus, established later to cater to the growing demand for higher education, offers facilities comparable to those of the North Campus and hosts a range of scientific and professional disciplines.

Academics

The University of Delhi offers undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs in a wide range of disciplines. It is known for its high academic standards, distinguished faculty, and illustrious alumni. The university conducts admissions primarily based on merit, though it also administers entrance tests for several of its postgraduate and professional courses.

Colleges

The university comprises numerous affiliated colleges that operate semi-autonomously under the university's umbrella. These include prestigious institutions such as Lady Shri Ram College for Women, Miranda House, and Shri Ram College of Commerce, which are consistently ranked among the top colleges in India.

Student Life

Student life at Delhi University is vibrant and diverse, with numerous extracurricular activities, societies, and clubs. The university is also known for its active student politics and regularly organizes events that contribute to a dynamic campus environment.

Notable Alumni

Delhi University has produced a wide array of distinguished alumni who have excelled in various fields such as politics, arts, sciences, and business. Notable alumni include Nobel laureate Amartya Sen, former Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh, and internationally acclaimed novelist Arundhati Roy.

Challenges and Achievements

Despite its reputation and legacy, the University of Delhi faces challenges such as overcrowding, underfunding, and infrastructural constraints. However, it continues to excel in various academic fields and maintains a high research output.

See Also

• Education in India
• List of universities in India