In a significant relief for aspiring commerce students, Delhi University (DU) has withdrawn its decision to make mathematics a mandatory requirement for admission to the Bachelor of Commerce (Honours), B.Com (H) course. The decision follows widespread backlash from students and educators, who argued that the change was unfair and poorly timed, coming just months before the 2025 Common University Entrance Test (CUET UG).
Initially, DU had announced that students applying for B.Com (H) would need to have studied mathematics in Class XII to be eligible for admission. However, under the latest admission criteria outlined in the university’s updated bulletin, students can now qualify for B.Com (H) by having studied either mathematics or accountancy in their senior secondary education. This move restores flexibility for students and aligns with previous admission norms.
The proposed change had sparked outrage among students and academic circles. Ronak Khatri, the Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) president, criticized the decision, calling it unfair and unjust given the limited time left before CUET UG. "With only two months to go before CUET, this decision would have created confusion and uncertainty for students," he stated.
Professor Pankaj Garg, a mathematics professor at DU’s Rajdhani College, supported the reversal, noting that the initial proposal would have discouraged capable students from applying. He added that the department’s rationale of poor academic performance was flawed, as delayed CUET exams had already pushed many high-performing students toward private institutions.
For CUET UG 2025, students can now apply for B.Com (H) through two combinations: one includes a language from List A, mathematics or applied mathematics, and any two subjects from List B. The second combination allows accountancy or bookkeeping instead of mathematics—ensuring broader access and inclusivity for commerce aspirants.
This decision is expected to ease pressure on students and restore confidence in DU’s admission process, reaffirming the university’s commitment to academic excellence and student welfare.