Delhi University-image
Notable Delhi University Alumni: Achievements in Politics, Arts & Business
Updated on 1 March 2026
location
Delhi, Delhi NCR

Delhi University (DU), established in 1922, has produced numerous alumni who have made significant contributions across various fields. From politics and governance to arts, culture, and business, DU alumni have consistently demonstrated leadership and excellence. Several notable alumni include politicians such as Narendra Modi (current Prime Minister of India), Sheila Dikshit (former Chief Minister of Delhi), and actors like Shah Rukh Khan and Amitabh Bachchan.

Name

Field

Notable Achievement / Details

DU Affiliation

Narendra Modi

Politics

Current Prime Minister of India

BA Political Science (School of Open Learning, 1978)

Sheila Dikshit

Politics

Former Chief Minister of Delhi (1998–2013)

MA History (Miranda House)

Shah Rukh Khan

Acting

Bollywood actor, producer; multiple Filmfare and National awards

BA Economics (Hansraj College)

Amitabh Bachchan

Acting

Iconic Bollywood actor; appeared in over 200 films; Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient

BSc (Kirori Mal College)

Naveen Patnaik

Politics

Longest-serving Chief Minister of Odisha (since 2000)

BA (Kirori Mal College)

Shashi Tharoor

Politics / Literature

MP, former diplomat, author

BA History (St. Stephen's College)

Arun Jaitley

Politics

Former Finance Minister; key BJP leader; former DU student union president

BCom (SRCC), LLB (Faculty of Law)

Subramanian Swamy

Politics / Economics

Politician, economist

Confirmed DU alumnus (various sources)

Aditi Rao Hydari

Acting

Indian actress in films and OTT

Lady Shri Ram College

Amit Bhadana

Digital Content / Law

YouTuber; first Indian creator to cross 20M subscribers; LLB graduate

LLB (DU)

Vijay Keshav Gokhale

Diplomacy / Politics

Former Foreign Secretary of India

BA/MA History

S. Jaishankar

Politics / Diplomacy

Current Minister of External Affairs; former Foreign Secretary

BSc Chemistry (St. Stephen's College)

Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed

Politics

Fifth President of India

Confirmed DU alumnus (MA)

Sucheta Kriplani

Politics

First woman Chief Minister of India (Uttar Pradesh)

Indraprastha College for Women

Harcharan Singh

Poetry / Literature

Sahitya Akademi Award-winning dramatist and playwright

DU-affiliated

Akhtar ul Iman

Poetry / Literature

Renowned Urdu poet

DU-affiliated

Anita Desai

Literature

Novelist; shortlisted for Booker Prize three times

Miranda House

Amitav Ghosh

Literature

Author (e.g., Ibis trilogy); Jnanpith Award contender

St. Stephen's College / DSE

Kunzang Choden

Literature

Bhutanese writer

BA Psychology

Upamanyu Chatterjee

Literature

Author (e.g., English, August)

St. Stephen's College

Ali Sardar Jafri

Poetry / Literature

Progressive Urdu poet and writer

Zakir Husain Delhi College

Khushwant Singh

Literature

Author, journalist; Padma Vibhushan recipient

St. Stephen's College

Sidharth Malhotra

Film

Bollywood actor

BCom (Shaheed Bhagat Singh College)

Neeti Mohan

Music / Film

Playback singer (e.g., Jiya Re); reality TV winner

Philosophy (Miranda House)

Raghav Chadha

Politics

Rajya Sabha MP (AAP)

Confirmed DU alumnus

Aakash Chopra

Sports / Media

Former Indian cricketer; cricket commentator

Rajdhani College

Sanya Malhotra

Film

Actress (e.g., Dangal, Ludo)

Gargi College

Table of Contents

DU Alumni in Bollywood: Actors, Directors & Musicians

Delhi University has produced numerous talents who have made significant contributions to the Indian film industry. From actors to musicians, many alumni have achieved stardom and critical acclaim. Shah Rukh Khan, an alumnus of the University of Delhi, is one such example, having become one of Bollywood's most iconic actors.

Alumni Name(s)

Details

DU Affiliation

Amitabh Bachchan

Iconic Bollywood actor; appeared in over 200 films; Dadasaheb Phalke Award recipient

BSc from Kirori Mal College

Shah Rukh Khan

Bollywood actor, producer; multiple Filmfare/National awards; global icon

BA Economics from Hansraj College (1988)

Manoj Bajpayee

Acclaimed actor in parallel and mainstream cinema; National Film Awards

Attended Ramjas College/Satyawati College (partial studies)

Neha Dhupia

Actress, model; Miss India 2002; TV host and producer

BA History from Jesus and Mary College

Rakul Preet Singh

Actress in Telugu, Hindi, Tamil/Kannada films; model

Mathematics Honours from Jesus and Mary College

Sonam Bajwa

Actress and model in Punjabi/Hindi films; Femina Miss India 2012 contestant

Graduated from Delhi University

Mohit Marwah

Actor in Bollywood films (e.g., Fugly); model

Attended Shaheed Bhagat Singh College (2 years; dropped out for acting)

Aditi Rao Hydari

Actress in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu films; dancer

Lady Shri Ram College

Sidharth Malhotra

Bollywood actor; model; debut in Student of the Year

Graduated from Shaheed Bhagat Singh College (2007)

Sonu Nigam

Versatile playback singer; multiple awards; actor/dubber

DU affiliations claimed

Neeti Mohan Sharma

Playback singer (e.g., Jiya Re); reality TV winner; composer

BA Philosophy from Miranda House

Papon

Singer-composer (e.g., Barfi!, playback in multiple films)

English Literature; Motilal Nehru College (after Ramjas; partial completion)

 

Delhi University Alumni Networks: Connecting Graduates Globally

Delhi University boasts a vibrant network of alumni associations that connect graduates across the globe. These networks provide platforms for professional development, mentorship, and social engagement, fostering a sense of community among former students. Many of these networks organize events and initiatives to support the university and its current students, with some alumni contributing financially to scholarships and infrastructure development.

Delhi University Alumni Association (DUAA): The DUAA serves as the central body connecting alumni from all colleges and departments of the university. IT organizes annual events, publishes newsletters, and s networking opportunities for its members.

College-Specific Alumni Associations: Many DU colleges, such as Hindu College and Miranda House, have their own alumni associations that focus on the specific needs and interests of their graduates. These associations often host reunions, career guidance sessions, and fundraising events for their respective colleges.

Department-Specific Alumni Groups: Some academic departments, like the Faculty of Law and the Delhi School of Economics, maintain their own alumni networks to foster connections among graduates in specific fields. These groups often organize seminars, workshops, and mentorship programs related to their respective disciplines.

International Alumni Chapters: DU alumni have established chapters in various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Singapore, to connect with fellow graduates living abroad. These international chapters organize social gatherings, professional development events, and cultural exchange programs.

Online Alumni Platforms: Several online platforms, such as LinkedIn and Facebook, host active DU alumni groups where graduates can connect, share job opportunities, and seek advice. These platforms provide a convenient way for alumni to stay in touch and network regardless of their location.

Mentorship Programs: Many DU alumni networks offer mentorship programs that pair experienced graduates with current students or recent alumni seeking career guidance. These programs provide valuable support and advice to help students their academic and professional paths.

Industry-Specific Alumni Groups: Alumni working in specific industries, such as finance, technology, and media, have formed their own networks to share insights, collaborate on projects, and support each other's career advancement. These industry-specific groups often host networking events and workshops focused on the latest trends and challenges in their respective fields.

Startups Founded by Delhi University Alumni: Innovation & Entrepreneurship

Delhi University alumni have made significant contributions to the startup ecosystem, founding ventures across diverse sectors. From food tech to fashion and AI, these entrepreneurs exemplify the spirit of innovation fostered by DU's academic environment. Alok Mittal, co-founder of Indifi Technologies, and Gaurav Agarwal, co-founder of 1mg, are just two examples of DU alumni who have achieved success in the startup world.

Startup Name

Founder(s) / Co-Founder(s)

Industry / Sector

DU Affiliation (College)

Lenskart

Peyush Bansal (co-founder)

Eyewear / E-commerce

Associated with DU 

Magicpin

Anshoo Sharma (co-founder)

Local Discovery / Food & Services

DU alumnus

Akasa Air

Vinay Dube (co-founder & CEO)

Aviation

DU alumnus

boAt

Aman Gupta (co-founder)

Consumer Electronics (Audio/Wearables)

Shaheed Bhagat Singh College (BCom Hons)

MakeMyTrip

Deep Kalra (founder)

Travel Tech

St. Stephen's College (BA Economics Hons)

Various SRCC Startups (collective examples)

Multiple SRCC alumni (e.g., in fintech, edtech, AI, consumer brands)

Diverse (Fintech, Edtech, AI, Consumer)

Shri Ram College of Commerce (SRCC), DU

How Delhi University Shaped Alumni Success: Education & Opportunities

Delhi University (DU), established in 1922, has played a role in shaping the careers of its alumni through its broad faculty and high standards in teaching and research. The university offers a range of courses including BA, BSc, and BCom at the undergraduate level, and MA and MSc at the postgraduate level, providing a foundation for diverse career paths. With a NAAC A++ accreditation and a NIRF 2023 rank of 2, DU provides a conducive environment for academic and personal growth.

DU's influence extends beyond academics, fostering critical thinking, leadership skills, and a global perspective among its students. This approach prepares alumni to excel in various fields, contributing significantly to society and their respective industries. The university's commitment to excellence ensures that its graduates are well-equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving world.

Delhi University Course-wise Alumni: Specializations & Achievements

Delhi University's alumni network spans diverse fields, reflecting the university's comprehensive academic offerings and its impact on shaping leaders and innovators across industries. From politics and academia to Bollywood and business, DU alumni have made significant contributions both nationally and internationally. 

Course

Notable Alumni

Field of Expertise

BA (Economics)

Shah Rukh Khan

Bollywood Acting / Film Production

BSc

Amitabh Bachchan

Bollywood Acting

BA (Political Science / History)

Narendra Modi

Politics (Prime Minister of India)

BA (History)

Shashi Tharoor

Politics / Literature / Diplomacy

BA (English / Honours)

Kiran Bedi

Civil Services / Social Activism (First female IPS officer)

BCom (Hons)

Arun Jaitley

Politics / Law (Former Finance Minister)

LLB

Arun Jaitley (also BCom)

Politics / Law

BA

Naveen Patnaik

Politics (Chief Minister of Odisha)

English (Hons)

Mouni Roy

Acting / Television

Graduation (Commerce-related)

Sidharth Malhotra

Bollywood Acting

MA (English)

Benjamin Gilani

Theatre / Acting

BSc (Home Science)

Chitrangada Singh

Bollywood Acting

BCom

Karan Oberoi

Music / Acting

DU Admission 2026: Key Dates, CUET & CSAS Process

Delhi University (DU) admission 2026 for undergraduate (UG) courses will be based on CUET scores, while postgraduate (PG) admissions will consider CUET-PG scores. The CUET UG 2026 exam is scheduled from May 11 to May 31, 2026, and the CUET PG exam 2026 will be held from March 6 to March 27, 2026. 

Admission to Delhi University's UG and PG programs, with the exception of B.Tech, Integrated 5-year LLB, LLM, and MBA, relies on CUET UG and PG examination scores. For B.Tech programs, JEE Main scores are considered, while MSc Biotechnology admissions are based on CUET-PG results.

Aspect

Details

UG Exam

CUET UG 2026 exam from May 11 to May 31, 2026

PG Exam

CUET PG exam 2026 from Mar 6 to Mar 27, 2026

Admission Criteria

DU admission 2026 for UG courses is based on the CUET scores

Admission Criteria

DU PG admissions are based on CUET-PG scores

Application Process

Aspirants have to opt for DU during CUET form filling and later apply on the CSAS portal

B.Tech Admission

Admission to B.Tech programs based on JEE Main scores

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What entrance exams are required for Delhi University admissions in 2026?

For undergraduate programs, Delhi University primarily uses the CUET UG exam for admissions in 2026. B.Tech admissions consider JEE Main scores, while postgraduate admissions rely on CUET PG, CAT, GATE, and CLAT scores depending on the specific program.

How do I apply for undergraduate admission to Delhi University in 2026?

You must first appear for the CUET UG 2026 exam and then register on the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS) portal of Delhi University. The CUET UG 2026 exam is scheduled to be conducted from May 11 to May 31, 2026.

What is the CUET PG 2026 exam schedule for Delhi University admissions?

The CUET PG 2026 exam, used for postgraduate admissions at Delhi University, will be held from March 6 to March 27, 2026. Registration for CUET PG 2026 is open until January 14, 2026.

Is there a minimum percentage required in Class 12 for B.Com admission at Delhi University?

No, students with less than 60% in Class 12 are also eligible for B.Com at Delhi University. However, they must appear for the CUET UG exam and achieve a valid score.

How is the merit list prepared for Delhi University admissions through CUET?

The DU CSAS merit list is prepared based on the marks obtained by candidates in the CUET exam. Candidates whose names appear in the DU 2026 merit list must then claim their admissions.

What courses does Delhi University offer?

Delhi University offers a wide range of UG, PG, and doctorate programs across various streams including Arts, Science, Commerce, Management, Law, and Technology. Popular programs include BSc, BCom, BA, MBA, and MA.

When was Delhi University established?

Delhi University was established in 1922 as a unitary, teaching, and residential university. IT was created by an Act of the Central Legislative Assembly.

whatsapp

Chat with us