DU Election Code of Conduct: Spending Cap Set at ₹5,000
DU Election Code of Conduct sets a ₹5,000 spending cap, paperless campaigning, attendance rules, and strict restrictions for DUSU 2026.
Delhi University has fixed a ₹5,000 spending limit for candidates. The DU Election Code of Conduct applies to DUSU elections. Polling will take place on September 18, 2026. Vote counting will follow on September 19.
The university released the election rules this week. The notification covers eligibility, campaigning, expenditure, and discipline. It also introduces paperless campaign arrangements for candidates.
The official code applies to DUSU and college union elections. Delhi University uploaded the document on August 17. The university updated the election page again on August 19.
DU Election Code Of Conduct: DUSU 2026 Schedule And Eligibility
The nomination process will close on September 13. Candidates can file nomination papers until 3 pm. Scrutiny will continue until 3:15 pm that afternoon.
The final list will be published by 6 pm. The election schedule gives candidates limited preparation time. It also places strict conditions on nomination eligibility.
The official eligibility rules include the following:
- Candidates must be regular full-time students.
- Undergraduate candidates must be aged 17 to 22 years.
- The age will be calculated on August 16, 2026.
- Postgraduate candidates must not exceed 25 years.
- Professional courses may receive limited age relaxation.
- Candidates must maintain at least 75% attendance.
- Academic arrears can disqualify a candidate.
- Failed or recently readmitted students cannot contest.
- Candidates cannot contest multiple posts simultaneously.
- Office-bearer candidates receive one contesting opportunity.
- Executive-member candidates receive two opportunities.
The attendance requirement may be higher in some courses. The code applies 75% attendance or university requirements. The higher applicable requirement will prevail.
Candidates must also submit affidavits with nominations. The affidavit must disclose criminal and disciplinary history. Candidates must provide the required security deposit.
These conditions aim to preserve regular academic participation. They also restrict candidates with unresolved academic issues. DU Election Code Of Conduct
DU Election Code Of Conduct For Campaigning
The DU Election Code of Conduct fixes campaigning hours. Candidates may canvass between 8 am and 8 pm. Each candidate may have four bona fide student supporters.
Supporters must carry valid college identity cards. Unauthorised persons cannot enter college campuses for campaigning. Polling booths will have separate identity requirements.
The university has prohibited several traditional campaign methods. These restrictions seek to reduce noise and public disruption.
The main campaign restrictions are:
- Loudspeakers cannot be used.
- Vehicles cannot support election canvassing.
- Animals cannot be used during campaigns.
- Mascots, characters, and costumes are prohibited.
- Printed posters and pamphlets are prohibited.
- Other printed campaign materials are also banned.
- Handmade posters may be used only at approved places.
- Candidates cannot damage or deface university property.
- University websites and social pages cannot be altered.
- Bribery, intimidation, and voter impersonation are prohibited.
- Transporting voters to polling centres is prohibited.
The rules also prohibit canvassing near polling centres. Propaganda cannot occur within 100 metres of polling centres. Public meetings are banned during the final 24 hours.
The university may cancel a candidate’s election. It may also remove an elected candidate. Disciplinary proceedings may follow serious violations.
DU Election Code Of Conduct: Paperless Campaign And Spending Rules
The university has created facilities for paperless campaigning. Candidates can submit election-related material digitally. The Chief Election Officer will manage the approved content.
Candidates may submit video speeches for online publication. Each video must not exceed ten minutes. The submission deadline is September 12, 2026.
Candidates must submit the video by 2 pm. The Chief Election Officer must approve it first. Approved videos may appear on the Delhi University website.
Candidates may also use free social media platforms. This permits online outreach without printed materials. It may also reduce campaign waste across campuses.
The election expenditure limit remains ₹5,000 per candidate. Candidates must maintain complete campaign accounts. Audited expense details must be submitted within two weeks.
The deadline begins after result declaration. Excessive spending can invalidate the election. Failure to submit accounts can create separate consequences.
DU Election Code Of Conduct: Why The Code Matters
The DU Election Code of Conduct changes traditional campus campaigning. Earlier campaigns often relied on posters and printed pamphlets. The new rule promotes cleaner and quieter elections.
The paperless approach also reflects environmental concerns. It follows directions concerning campus defacement and public property. The official code refers to judicial and environmental orders.
The university cites Supreme Court directions from 2006. It also mentions Delhi High Court proceedings on defacement. National Green Tribunal directions are included as well.
These references show the rules’ wider legal foundation. Student elections must follow public law principles. Campaign freedom cannot permit property damage or intimidation.
The ₹5,000 ceiling also limits financial competition. Student candidates may face fewer financial barriers. However, monitoring actual spending remains important.
Social media may create a different advantage. Candidates with larger online networks could gain visibility. The university may therefore need transparent digital monitoring.
The paperless campaign could also change political messaging. Video speeches may encourage issue-based campaigning. They may reduce dependence on large campus gatherings.
Yet digital campaigns can create new concerns. Misleading posts may spread quickly among students. Online harassment and targeted misinformation may increase.
The grievance redressal mechanism will therefore remain significant. The university will establish a dedicated election cell. It will include faculty and administrative representatives.
Students can raise complaints through this mechanism. Serious incidents may also require police reporting. The code refers to applicable election offences under BNS.
Objectionable incidents must reportedly reach police quickly. The prescribed period is within 12 hours. This requirement encourages prompt evidence collection and investigation.
The rules also prohibit caste and communal hostility. Candidates cannot create tension between student groups. Derogatory conduct against women is prohibited.
Physical threats and property destruction are also restricted. These provisions address common risks during competitive elections. They support a safer campus environment.
DU Election Code Of Conduct: Election Outlook
The DUSU election will test Delhi University’s enforcement capacity. The rules are detailed and financially restrictive. Their success will depend on consistent implementation.
Candidates must plan campaigns within the ₹5,000 ceiling. They must also maintain proper records and receipts. Supporters must follow campus access and identity rules.
The September 12 video deadline will arrive first. Nomination filing will close the following day. Polling will occur five days after final nominations.
Students will likely focus on campaign transparency. They may also examine candidates’ attendance and academic records. Online speeches could become important election material.
According to the official notification, violations carry serious consequences. Candidates may lose their candidature or elected positions. The DU Election Code of Conduct therefore demands careful compliance.
The 2026 election will combine traditional student politics with digital campaigning. It will also place environmental responsibility at the centre. The final outcome will depend on enforcement, participation, and accountability.
For candidates and voters, the DU Election Code of Conduct provides the governing framework. It sets clear limits before campaigning begins. The university’s next challenge is ensuring equal compliance.
