Discover DU PG Single Girl Child Quota, set to begin in 2025-26. Learn how this initiative empowers single girl children, fosters equality, and expands educational opportunities at Delhi University. DU PG Single Girl Child Quota
The University of Delhi (DU) plans to introduce a single girl child quota for postgraduate (PG) courses. This will start from the academic session 2025-26. The proposal is under review by the academic council. If approved, it will encourage education for single girl children. DU PG Single Girl Child Quota
DU already has this quota for undergraduate (UG) courses. It was implemented in the 2024-25 session. In its first year, the scheme benefited 764 students in 69 colleges. Building on this success, DU plans to extend it to PG and doctoral programmes. Admissions will be conducted through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) and the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS). DU PG Single Girl Child Quota
The university reserves seats for other categories too. These include sports, persons with disabilities (PwD), children and widows of armed forces personnel (CW), and orphaned children. Adding the single girl child quota will strengthen DU’s inclusive policies.
Growing Demand for PG Admissions
The demand for PG courses at DU has risen sharply. In the 2023-24 session, over 90,000 students applied for 13,500 seats. This high competition highlights the need for initiatives like the single girl child quota. Such measures can inspire single girl children to aim for higher education, especially in reputed institutions like DU.
UGC Support for Single Girl Children
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has several schemes for single girl children. One notable program is the Swami Vivekananda Single Girl Child Fellowship for Research in Social Sciences. It started in 2014-15 and was rebranded in 2022 as the Savitribai Jyotirao Phule Fellowship. This updated fellowship includes students from non-social science fields too. DU PG Single Girl Child Quota
This fellowship provides significant financial aid. PhD students receive funding for up to five years or until their thesis submission. Junior Research Fellows (JRF) get Rs 31,000 per month for the first two years. Senior Research Fellows (SRF) get Rs 35,000 per month after that. Humanities and social science students get an annual allowance of Rs 10,000 for the first two years. This increases to Rs 20,500 later. Science students get Rs 12,000 per year initially, which rises to Rs 25,000 later. There is no limit on the number of fellowships awarded annually.
Impact of UGC Fellowships
These fellowships have greatly helped single girl children. In 2022-23, 187 female students benefitted. Between 2018 and 2023, a total of 1,117 single girl children received this fellowship. By offering financial and academic support, these programs empower single girl children to pursue advanced education and research.
Goals of the DU PG Single Girl Child Quota
The DU PG single girl child quota aims to reduce educational barriers. It will enable single girl children to pursue postgraduate studies. The quota also helps close the gender gap in education and fosters gender equality. By supporting underrepresented groups, DU makes higher education more accessible.
Why the Quota is Important
This quota is a progressive step toward inclusive education. It builds on the success of similar policies at the UG level. The initiative aligns with national efforts to empower single girl children. It also ensures equal opportunities for them in higher education.
Conclusion
As competition for PG seats grows, policies like the DU PG single girl child quota become essential. They provide support to single girl children, helping them achieve their academic goals. If implemented, this quota could inspire other universities to adopt similar measures. It is a vital step toward a fairer and more equitable education system in India.
