Executive Summary:
The Ministry of Education addressed concerns regarding a potential decline in female student enrollment in Delhi University (DU) following the introduction of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) in 2022-23. The response details the number of female students appearing for CUET and admitted to DU, highlighting an increase in both. It also outlines government initiatives and schemes aimed at promoting higher education for women.
Key Points / Main Content:
CUET Implementation and Rationale:
* CUET was introduced in 2022-23 to streamline the admission process for Central Universities, reducing the burden on students and institutions, as per the National Education Policy 2020.
* CUET provides a single-window opportunity for admission to Central, State, Deemed, and Private Universities, benefiting students from rural and remote areas.
* CUET aims to evaluate students from different educational boards on a level playing field.
Female Student Enrollment:
* The number of female students appearing for CUET (UG) has increased from 4,29,228 in 2022-23 to 5,94,324 in 2024-25.
* The number of female candidates admitted to DU's undergraduate courses has been higher than male candidates each year from 2022-23 to 2024-25.
* Undergraduate admission of female students in Delhi-NCR institutions is on the rise.
Government Initiatives and Scholarships:
* The University Grants Commission (UGC) implements the "Development of Women’s Studies in Indian Universities and Colleges" scheme, providing funds for Women Studies Centers.
* The All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) offers scholarships like the Pragati Scholarship Scheme for meritorious girl students.
* The Department of Science and Technology (DST) offers fellowships such as KIRAN-WISEKIRAN and SERB-POWER to promote research in science and technology among women.
Impact Analysis:
Students:
Impact: CUET offers a wider range of choices in selecting universities and courses. Initiatives provide financial assistance to support their education.
Action Required: Students should familiarize themselves with CUET and scholarship opportunities.
Universities and Colleges:
Impact: CUET streamlines the admission process, while schemes like the Development of Women’s Studies provide funding for establishing Women Studies Centers.
Action Required: Universities should implement CUET and utilize available funding to promote women's studies and provide necessary support.
Government (Ministry of Education, UGC, AICTE, DST):
Impact: Responsible for implementing policies and schemes to promote higher education for women.
Action Required: Continue to monitor the impact of CUET and ensure effective implementation of support schemes and scholarships.
Key Entities Referenced
National Education Policy, 2020: A comprehensive framework to transform education system of India.
Common University Entrance Test: A national-level entrance exam conducted by the National Testing Agency NTA for admission to undergraduate programs in Central Universities and other participating institutions in India.
Delhi University: A central university located in Delhi, India, that admits students based on CUET scores.
National Testing Agency: An agency responsible for conducting the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) and other entrance exams in India.
University Grants Commission: A statutory body responsible for the coordination, determination and maintenance of standards of university education in India.
All India Survey of Higher Education: An annual survey conducted by the Ministry of Education to collect data on various aspects of higher education in India.
All India Council of Technical Education: A statutory body and a national-level council for technical education in India.
Department of Science and Technology: A department within the Ministry of Science and Technology in India, responsible for promoting science and technology.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
DEPARTMENT OF HIGHER EDUCATION
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2331
ANSWERED ON 04.08.2025
Reduction of Girl Students after implementation of CUET
†2331. Shri Babu Singh Kushwaha:
Will the Minister of EDUCATION be pleased to state:
(a) whether the Government has noticed a sudden drop in the number of girl students taking
admission in undergraduate courses of Delhi University (DU) after the introduction of
Common University Entrance Test (CUET);
(b) the year-wise number of girl students taking admission in DU before and after the
introduction of CUET and the reaction of the Government thereto;
(c) whether the girls from remote areas are lagging behind in the admission and in meeting
the CUET examination level, if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor; and
(d) whether the Government has any plans to implement any special scheme, support system
or admission facilitation policy to increase the participation of girl students in leading
educational institutions of the country?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION
(DR. SUKANTA MAJUMDAR)
(a) to (d): In pursuance of the National Education Policy, 2020, the Common University
Entrance Test (CUET) is being conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) for
admission in Central Universities from the academic year 2022-23 to reduce the burden on
students, universities and the entire education system. The number of girl students who
appeared in CUET(UG) from the academic year 2022-23 to 2024-25 is as follows:
Academic Year No. of Girl Students who
appeared in CUET(UG)
Examination
2022-23 4,29,228
2023-24 5,13,978
2024-25 5,94,324
During the same period, i.e. from 2022-23 to 2024-25, the number of female candidates
admitted in Delhi University (DU) is more than the number of male candidates admitted in
each year, i.e. 34010, 36126 and 39242 female candidates were admitted in DU's undergraduate
courses as against 30662, 32425 and 33124 male candidates for the academic years 2022-23,
2023-24 and 2024-25 respectively.CUET offers a single-window opportunity for students seeking admission to Central
Universities (CUs) and other participating institutions including State Universities, Deemed
Universities, and Private Universities across the country, particularly benefiting those from
rural and remote areas. The test evaluates students from various educational boards on an equal
footing, ensuring a level playing field.
Consequently, CUET enables all students, including girl candidates, to choose courses or
programs of their preference not only at Delhi University but also across a broad spectrum of
Central Universities and participating institutions. While the inaugural CUET (UG) edition
included 90 participating institutions, this number has now expanded to 240 in the latest
edition. As per the All India Survey of Higher Education (AISHE), the number of girl students
taking admission in undergraduate courses in Universities/Colleges/Standalone Institutions of
Delhi/NCR is 4,09,832 (for academic year 2020-21), 4,25,006 (for academic year 2021-22)
and 4,91,511(for academic year 2022-23) which highlights increasing trend in admission of
female candidates in the institutions of Delhi/NCR.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) is implementing the scheme of “Development of
Women’s Studies in Indian Universities and Colleges”. This scheme provides funds for setting
up Women Studies Centers (WSCs) in universities and colleges, focusing on teaching,
research, curriculum development, training and outreach activities. The objectives of the
scheme are to provide financial support in advancing Women’s Studies through teaching,
research and practical work.
Various scholarships are also offered to support and motivate meritorious girl students. For
instance, the All India Council of Technical Education (AICTE) offers scholarships under
Pragati Scholarship Scheme to meritorious girl students to encourage them to pursue higher
education.
The Department of Science and Technology (DST) offers fellowships to promote research in
basic and applied sciences among women through programs under Women in Science and
Engineering- KIRAN (WISE-KIRAN) and SERB- Promoting Opportunities for Women in
Exploratory Research (SERBPOWER) Fellowship scheme to identify and reward outstanding
women researchers and innovators working in various Science & Technology program in
Indian academic institutions and R&D laboratories.
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