The University of Delhi (DU) offers an Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA) quota for undergraduate admissions. This quota allows students to gain admission based on their proficiency and achievements in various extracurricular fields. The ECA quota falls under supernumerary seats (additional seats beyond the regular intake capacity). These seats do not affect the regular merit-based admissions. All DU colleges must offer ECA seats (typically up to 5% combined for ECA + Sports quota, with equal distribution directives in recent years).
Eligibility Criteria
- CUET Score: Candidates must appear for the Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG-2026). A 25% weightage is given to the CUET score in the final merit calculation.
- Participation in Trials: For most ECA categories, candidates must participate in physical/audition trials conducted by the University. These trials assess practical skills and performance in the chosen activity.
Application Process
- Registration: Candidates must register on the DU UG Admission Portal (CSAS-2026) at admission.uod.ac.in.
- Selection of ECA Categories: Candidates can select up to three ECA categories during the application. They should choose categories offered by their preferred colleges.
- Uploading Documents: Candidates need to upload self-attested ECA certificates (maximum 5 best certificates per category from the notified period, usually the preceding 3–5 years) and the CUET scorecard. Certificates must be in the prescribed format.
- Payment of Fees: An additional fee of ₹100 per ECA category is required, in addition to the regular application fee.
Selection Criteria
Selection is based on the Combined ECA Merit (CEM) Score:
- 25%: Weightage of the highest valid CUET score for the applied programme.
- 75%: Weightage of the ECA score, which includes marks from physical/audition trials (where applicable) and certificate evaluation.
- Trial Performance: For categories requiring trials, performance contributes a significant portion of the 75% ECA component.
- Certificate Evaluation: Certificates are evaluated based on specific criteria. A maximum of 15 marks are awarded from certificates (best 3 out of up to 5 uploaded).
ECA Activities for DU Admissions 2026–27
The following are the recognised categories and sub-categories under the ECA quota:
CUET Free Master Classes:
Culture
- Creative Writing (English / Hindi)
- Dance (Indian Classical / Indian Folk / Western / Choreography)
- Debate (English / Hindi)
- Digital Media (Still Photography / Film Making / Animation)
- Fine Arts (Sketching & Painting / Sculpture)
- Music (Vocal): Indian (Classical, Light & Folk) / Western (Classical and Light)
- Music (Instrumental): Indian / Western
- Theatre
Other Categories
- Quiz
- Divinity (for minority colleges only)
- NCC
- NSS
- Yoga
(Note: Exact availability of sub-categories varies by college. Check the seat matrix on the admission portal.)
Criteria for Marking the Certificates (For all Categories except NCC & NSS)
The marking is divided into four criteria. A candidate can score a maximum of 15 marks through certificate evaluation.
Criterion A: Participation/Prizes in Competitions
|
Level
|
1st Prize
|
2nd Prize
|
3rd Prize
|
Participation
|
|
International/National
|
7
|
6
|
5
|
4
|
|
State
|
4
|
3
|
2
|
1
|
|
Zonal/Inter-School
|
3
|
2
|
1
|
0
|
|
Intra-School
|
2
|
1
|
0
|
0
|
- Group activities (except Theatre): Deduct 1 mark for every group activity.
- International Level: Recognised internationally acclaimed events or those with national selection.
- Specific MUN rules apply (Best Delegate = 1st, etc.).
Criterion B: Training/Examinations
|
Level
|
<1 Year
|
1–2 Years
|
2–3 Years
|
>3 Years
|
|
Training under Guru/Ustad/Institution
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
|
Examinations with Passing Certificate
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
4
|
- Marks based on the highest level achieved.
- Multiple related trainings can be added.
Criterion C: Workshops
- Less than 1 week: 0 marks
- 1 week: 1 mark
- More than 1 week: 2 marks
Criterion D: Public Performance / Published Works / Exhibition (Public)
- Group Activity: 1 mark
- Solo Activity: 2 marks
Important Notes on Criterion D:
- Valid for Music, Dance, Theatre, Film Making, Animation, Photography, Yoga (except private/International Yoga Day), Creative Writing, Divinity.
- MUN marked under Criterion A only.
- Quiz: Only televised quiz shows.
- No marks for non-peer-reviewed platforms (YouTube, Instagram, etc.).
- Divinity: Certificates from recognised bodies (e.g., Gurudwara Prabandhak Committees).
Important Dates
- Trial Dates: Physical/audition trials are scheduled as per the DU admission calendar (usually after CUET results). Check admission.uod.ac.in for exact dates and venues.
- Result Declaration: ECA quota results are announced after trials and evaluations, in multiple allocation rounds.
Tie-Breaking Rules for ECA/Sports Quotas
If two or more candidates have the same Combined ECA Merit (CEM) score:
- Higher marks in ECA Trial.
- Higher marks in ECA Certificate evaluation.
- Higher CUET score.
- Earlier Date of Birth (as per Class X certificate).
Allocations are made based on the candidate’s latest preferences.
Key Points to Remember
- Strictly adhere to all deadlines on the admission portal.
- Bring original certificates for verification during trials.
- Selected candidates must actively participate in ECA activities throughout their course duration.
- The quota is supernumerary and programme/college-specific.
For the most accurate and updated information, regularly visit the official DU UG Admission Portal:
admission.uod.ac.in (ECA & Sports section) and refer to the Bulletin of Information 2026-27.
Note: The information above is based on the latest available official guidelines as of May 2026. Always verify directly from the official sources, as minor updates may be issued via notices.
This is the full, self-contained, ready-to-use article with all corrections (e.g., best 5 upload limit, consistent terminology, accurate weightage, and latest structure). Let me know if you need any specific section expanded or modified! Good luck with your admission.
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