More than 2.28 lakh students appeared for the Delhi University (DU) winter semester examinations, highlighting the massive scale at which the central university conducts its academic assessments each year. According to official data, students from the School of Open Learning (SOL) constituted nearly 30% of the total examinees, reflecting the growing reliance on distance and open learning modes in higher education.

The examination schedule revealed a significantly heavier workload during the morning session, which accounted for the majority of papers conducted on the day. In total, 795 examination papers were held in the morning slot, making it the most intensive session of the winter exams. Of these, 775 papers were for regular undergraduate and Non-Collegiate Women’s Education Board (NCWEB) students, while 20 papers were conducted specifically for SOL undergraduate students. This distribution underscores the administrative complexity involved in managing exams for students enrolled across multiple modes of education within the university.

In contrast, the afternoon session was relatively lighter, involving 109 papers, all of which were at the undergraduate level. University officials noted that the staggered scheduling was designed to ensure smoother conduct of examinations, minimize overcrowding, and allow examination staff to manage logistics efficiently across numerous centres.

Delhi University conducts examinations for students enrolled in regular colleges, NCWEB, and the School of Open Learning, each of which caters to different categories of learners. While regular students attend classes on campus, NCWEB primarily supports women students who cannot attend daily classes, and SOL offers flexible learning opportunities to students from across the country. The substantial presence of SOL students in the winter exams points to the increasing demand for alternative education pathways, especially among working professionals and students from remote areas.

University authorities emphasized that strict protocols and monitoring mechanisms were put in place to ensure the smooth conduct of exams. These included coordination with college principals, deployment of adequate invigilation staff, and adherence to examination guidelines. Officials also highlighted the importance of maintaining fairness and transparency given the large number of candidates appearing simultaneously.

The scale of participation in the winter examinations reflects Delhi University’s role as one of India’s largest higher education institutions. With lakhs of students enrolled across undergraduate programmes, managing examinations remains one of the university’s most demanding administrative tasks. Despite the challenges, DU continues to streamline its examination processes through better planning and scheduling.

As the winter semester exams progress, the university is expected to continue monitoring attendance, paper conduct, and logistical arrangements to ensure a smooth experience for students across all categories. The strong turnout once again underlines the significance of Delhi University’s examination system in shaping academic outcomes for a vast and diverse student population.