Delhi University Fees, Admission 2026, Courses, Cutoff, Ranking, Placement

A degree from Delhi University remains one of India's most affordable pathways to quality higher education. Annual tuition fees range from ₹14,000 at Deen Dayal Upadhyaya College to ₹45,000 at St. Stephen's College. For the 2026 academic year, prospective students face a landscape where affordable education intersects with rising living costs in Delhi, making financial planning critical. While considering North Campus or South Campus, it is important to understand what DU education extends beyond the fee structure.

This guide breaks down what families actually spend, from hostel availability across 11 colleges to monthly living expenses averaging ₹15,000–₹30,000 for students renting outside campus. There is a detailed fee comparisons for undergraduate and postgraduate programs, examination costs ranging from ₹450 to ₹1,200 per semester, and scholarship options including the Central Sector Scheme and Eklavya Scholarship.

With expanding financial aid opportunities and varying college-specific expenses, this information helps tobudget accurately and avoid unexpected costs during the three-year journey at one of India's most sought-after universities.

Delhi University Cost: Overview 2026

Understanding the complete cost structure of Delhi University is essential for prospective students and their families planning higher education in 2026. Delhi University offers remarkably affordable education compared to private institutions. However, costs vary significantly across colleges, courses, and accommodation choices.

Tuition fees form the foundation of educational expenses, while hostel charges and miscellaneous expenses substantially impact the total budget. Government-funded colleges maintain minimal fees, making quality education accessible to students from diverse economic backgrounds.

Delhi University Cost: Undergraduate Course Fees by College Type 2026

Delhi University undergraduate course fees in 2026 vary widely based on the type of college, course structure, and facilities offered, with government-funded colleges being the most affordable and self-financed institutions charging comparatively higher fees.

Delhi University Cost: Postgraduate Course Fees by Department 2026

Pursuing postgraduate courses at Delhi University represents one of the most affordable pathways to advanced education in India. However, department fees vary considerably based on discipline, laboratory requirements, and course structure.

The university's decentralized fee model means that while humanities departments maintain minimal costs, science and professional programs command higher annual tuition fee structures due to equipment, infrastructure, and faculty specialization needs.

Delhi University: Hostel Fees and Accommodation Costs 2026

When planning your education budget for Delhi University, accommodation costs often represent the second-largest expense after tuition fees. For students relocating from other cities, securing affordable and comfortable housing becomes a critical priority that directly impacts academic performance and well-being.

The university's decentralized structure means that hostel fees and availability vary significantly across colleges. Some institutions offer subsidized on-campus housing, while others leave students to navigate Delhi's expensive private rental market.

Understanding these variations early helps families make informed decisions about college preferences and financial planning. Mess charges, security deposits, and amenity fees further complicate the cost structure. Examine the complete financial picture before finalizing admission choices.

Delhi University: Cost of Living and Personal Expenses 2026

The cost of living in Delhi is essential for students planning their education budget beyond tuition fees. The national capital presents a unique economic landscape where monthly expenses can vary dramatically based on location preferences, lifestyle choices, and accommodation type.

North Campus areas like Kamla Nagar and Vijay Nagar offer relatively affordable options compared to South Campus localities such as Satya Niketan and Greater Kailash. Personal expenses in Delhi are influenced by factors including proximity to college, access to Delhi Metro connectivity, food preferences ranging from college canteens to private tiffin services, and seasonal variations in utility costs.

You must account for these variables when estimating your total financial outlay, as living costs often exceed tuition fees significantly. The following breakdown provides realistic estimates based on 2026 market rates for students across different accommodation arrangements.

Delhi University Cost: Exam Fees Breakdown 2026

Beyond tuition and hostel charges, examfees represent a recurring yet often underestimated component of the total cost of education at Delhi University. These charges are levied separately from annual tuition and must be paid each semester before you can appear for your end-term examinations.

Understanding the payment frequency and structure of these fees is essential for accurate financial planning, as they vary significantly across undergraduate, postgraduate, and professional programs. Students who fail to clear these dues within stipulated deadlines face penalties and examination restrictions.

If you need to appear for supplementary exams due to backlogs or improvement attempts, you must pay separate charges, which are typically 1.5 to 2 times the regular semester fee. The following breakdown provides specific examfee data across major departments for the 2026 academic session.

Delhi University Cost: College-Specific Expenses 2026

When planning your education budget for Delhi University, it's essential to look beyond the published tuition fees and account for college union fees, sports fees, and cultural event fees that vary significantly across institutions.

These supplementary charges, though modest individually, collectively influence your annual expenditure and student experience. North Campus colleges like St. Stephen's and Hindu College typically command higher union fees due to their extensive infrastructure and active student bodies, while South Campus and off-campus colleges maintain more economical structures.

Understanding these variations helps families prepare accurate financial projections and avoid last-minute funding gaps. Also note that certain colleges levy separate charges for laboratory access, library deposits, and identity card replacements. This further differentiates the total cost of attendance.

The table below presents the annual union fees across major Delhi University colleges for 2026:

Anticipate college-specific expenses spanning union fees, sports facility charges, cultural society contributions, library security deposits, and examination fees. These costs typically range between INR 1,000 and INR 3,500 annually depending on college tier and course requirements. Factoring these into your budget alongside tuition and accommodation ensures thorough financial readiness for your Delhi University journey.

Delhi University: Scholarships and Financial Aid Options 2026

Delhi University has established a solid ecosystem of scholarships and financial aid programs. These programs ensure that meritorious students from all economic backgrounds can pursue higher education without financial constraints.

With annual tuition fees ranging from ₹14,000 to ₹45,000 across colleges, the cost burden extends beyond academics to include hostel accommodation, study materials, and living expenses in Delhi.

The university recognizes that financial aid serves as a critical equalizer, enabling students from scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, economically weaker sections, and persons with disabilities to access quality education. Understanding the eligibility criteria and application timelines for these support mechanisms can significantly reduce the cost of a DU education. It also prevents deserving students from abandoning their academic aspirations due to monetary limitations.

The following list outlines the major scholarship and financial aid opportunities available to DU students in 2026:

Prioritize applying for the Central Sector Scheme and state government scholarships immediately after Class 12 results, as these have early deadlines in July-August 2026. Maintain organized documentation including income certificates, caste certificates, disability certificates, and academic transcripts to make multiple applications easier.

College scholarship committees typically announce their merit-based awards in October-November, so continuous academic performance monitoring remains essential. Proactive engagement with the DU Equal Opportunity Cell and respective college administrative offices ensures you don't miss critical financial support opportunities throughout your academic journey.

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