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Delhi Desk, Delhi Magazine: In a major step towards supporting women’s higher education, Delhi University (DU) has announced that it will now offer a special seat reservation for single girl children in its postgraduate (PG) courses starting from the 2025–26 academic session.
What is the Single Girl Child Quota?
The Single Girl Child (SGC) quota is a supernumerary seat (extra seat) that is given to girls who are the only child of their parents and do not have any siblings. This move is meant to encourage families to educate their daughters, especially in cases where parents may hesitate to send their only daughter for higher studies due to safety, financial, or social reasons.
Already Successful at UG Level
This quota was first introduced by DU in undergraduate (UG) courses last year in 2023–24. It turned out to be a success, as 764 single girl students were admitted across 69 DU colleges. Based on this success, the university has decided to extend the policy to the postgraduate level as well.
How It Will Work at the PG Level
Starting this year, each of DU’s 77 postgraduate programs will have one seat reserved for single girl child applicants. The admission will be given based on merit through CUET-PG (Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate) and the university’s Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS).
Who Can Apply?
To be eligible for this quota:
- The applicant must be a single girl child – meaning the only child of her parents and must be a girl.
- She should submit valid documents as proof of her status.
- She must also meet the academic eligibility criteria for the course.
- Admissions will be merit-based under the existing entrance system.
Why This Move Matters
Delhi University officials say the purpose behind this quota is to empower women and help families who may otherwise feel pressured not to send their only daughter away for PG studies. It also supports the Indian government’s broader goals under the National Education Policy (NEP) and Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao initiatives.
“We saw a positive response when the quota was introduced in UG courses. Now we want to ensure that girls who reach the PG level also get this support,” a senior DU official told the media.
What’s Next?
More detailed instructions about:
- How to apply under this quota
- What documents are needed
- And which courses offer the seat
…will soon be made available in the official CSAS-PG bulletin and on the Delhi University website.
This new decision by Delhi University is expected to benefit thousands of female students across the country, especially those from smaller towns and conservative families. It reflects a changing attitude in India where girls are not only being encouraged to complete their education but are also being given special opportunities to excel in it.
