How many students applied for DU in CUET 2025 Exam?

Overview: Analyze the 2023 rise in CUET-UG applications, showcasing Delhi University as the top choice with over 3 lakh applicants. Discover how many students applied for DU in CUET, and why CUET-UG is an important pathway for students seeking top-tier undergraduate education in India.

The increase in applications for the Common University Entrance Test-Undergraduate (CUET-UG) in 2023 is an important indication of the changing landscape of higher education in India.

With its widespread acceptability and growing popularity, CUET entrance exam is quickly becoming a centralized platform for students seeking admission to various undergraduate courses at numerous universities across India. 

This trend reflects not only changing student choices, but also a change toward a more unified and consistent system of judging academic talents at the undergraduate level.

The significant increase in applications, particularly for famous institutions like Delhi University, highlights the competitive nature of higher education admissions and the relevance of CUET-UG as a vital avenue for students hoping to enroll in top colleges. 

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How many students applied for DU in CUET?  

Overall Applications Statistics 

In 2023, CUET-UG registered a substantial 41% increase in the number of applicants compared to the previous year. A total of 16.85 lakh students registered for the test, out of which nearly 14 lakh students completed the application process by paying the fees.

This rise in applications can be attributed to the increasing recognition and acceptance of CUET-UG as a standard entrance test for various undergraduate programs in India. 

Check: DU CSAS Portal 2025 Seat Allocation for DU 

College-Wise Applications 

Delhi University (DU) emerged as the most popular choice among the institutions participating in CUET-UG 2023, with over 3 lakh students applying. This significant figure underlines DU's standing as a premier university in India.

Other universities like Banaras Hindu University (BHU), Allahabad University, and Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) also received a large number of applications, indicating their popularity among students. 

Specifically, 3,04,699 students registered for admission to Delhi University via CUET UG 2023, with 2,45,239 of them paying the application fee and 2,00,551 filling out their preferences.

This substantial number not only highlights the demand for DU but also the competitive nature of admissions through CUET-UG. 

City-Wise Distribution 

The state of Uttar Pradesh topped the list with the maximum number of applicants, followed by Delhi and Bihar. This distribution reflects the educational aspirations and demographics of these regions.

Additionally, there was a remarkable increase in applications from Jammu and Kashmir, with the number of applicants rising 6.3 times from the previous year. 

Read more: CUET DU Exam Pattern 2025

Gender Distribution 

An interesting aspect of CUET-UG 2023 is the gender distribution among applicants. There was a near 50% increase in the number of female candidates, while the number of male candidates saw a 34% increase.

This trend indicates a positive shift towards gender balance in higher education in India. 

Check: CUET DU Cut Off Marks

Comparison with Other Entrance Tests 

With an average of 18 lakh registrations, the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test Undergraduate (NEET-UG) for medical admissions is India's largest entrance test.

However, the growing popularity of CUET-UG is evidenced by an increase in the number of candidates and participating universities, which climbed from 90 in 2022 to 242 in 2023. 

International Applicants 

Internationally, CUET-UG is gaining momentum, with students from 74 countries applying in 2023, up from 59 nations the previous year.

These overseas candidates come from Europe, Asia, America, and the Gulf countries, demonstrating Indian higher education's global appeal. 

Know more: Central Universities Admission Through CUET?

Factors Driving the Surge in Applications 

With the introduction of CUET-UG, the admission procedure for undergraduate programs has been streamlined, eliminating the need for students to take multiple entrance tests. This ease of use has likely helped the examination's growing popularity. 

Furthermore, the approval of CUET-UG results by a diverse variety of colleges, including prestigious schools such as DU, has enhanced its popularity among students seeking admission to top-tier undergraduate programs. 

Conclusion 

The increase in applications for CUET-UG 2023 demonstrates its growing significance as a doorway to undergraduate education in India.

With recognized schools like Delhi University driving demand and a growth in both national and foreign applications, CUET-UG is poised to shape the future of higher education in India. 

Check: CUET Participating Universities

Key Takeaways:

• CUET-UG applications rose by 41% in 2023, indicating a shift in India's higher education landscape.
• Over 3 lakh students applied to Delhi University, making it the top choice in CUET-UG 2023.
• Highest applicants from Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Bihar, and a notable rise in female applicants, pointing to changing demographics.
• CUET-UG's popularity is growing, challenging other major entrance exams like NEET-UG.
• International applications increased, with candidates from 74 countries, showcasing Indian education's global appeal.
• The surge is driven by CUET-UG's streamlined process and acceptance by prestigious institutions like DU.