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Notable Delhi University Alumni: Achievements in Politics, Arts & Business

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.





