DUSU Elections 2025 polling day: Ballot boxes open at 8:30 AM as DU elects new student union

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The Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections 2025 have officially begun today, Thursday, September 18, with more than 2.75 lakh students eligible to vote in what is regarded as one of the largest student polls in the country.

The outcome will decide the leadership of the students’ body for the 2025–26 academic year.Voting is being conducted in two phases, from 8:30 am to 1:00 pm for day classes and from 3:00 pm to 7:30 pm for evening classes. The counting of votes will take place tomorrow, Friday, September 19.

A competitive race ahead

This year, 21 candidates are contesting after the scrutiny and withdrawal of nominations. The presidential race has shaped up as a three-way contest between the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh; the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), backed by the Congress; and the SFI-AISA alliance, supported by Left student groups.Key contenders for the president’s post include:

Joslyn Nandita Choudhary (NSUI): Postgraduate in Buddhist Studies.
Anjali (SFI-AISA): Student of Indraprastha College for Women.
Aryan Maan (ABVP): MA Library Science student.

Other presidential candidates in the fray are: Anuj Kumar (Law Centre – II), Divyanshu Singh Yadav (Campus Law Centre), Rahul Kumar (Ramjas College), Umanshi (Department of Buddhist Studies), Yogesh Meena (Campus Law Centre), and Abhishek Kumar (Satyawati College).

Who can vote?

Students admitted to DU colleges or departments before September 9, 2025 (5:00 pm) are eligible voters.

First-year students: Can vote with a valid fee receipt plus one government-issued ID (Voter ID, Aadhaar, PAN, or Driving License) if their college ID is not yet issued.
Second- and third-year students: Must carry a valid college identity card.

The DUSU guidelines clarify that while polling hours are fixed, all students reporting within the allotted timings must be allowed to vote.

Security and code of conduct

To ensure law and order, over 600 police personnel are deployed across the campus, including 160 officers equipped with body-worn cameras. CCTV cameras and drones are also monitoring polling day activities,

IANS

reported.Candidates and their supporters are barred from indulging in acts of gross indiscipline, including physical assault or threats of violence against any student, teacher, or non-teaching staff.The Delhi High Court has also imposed restrictions, banning winning candidates from holding victory rallies. It has directed Delhi Police, the university administration, and civil authorities to take necessary measures to prevent untoward incidents. The court has further cautioned that if the elections are not conducted in a satisfactory manner, it may consider halting the functioning of office bearers.

Campaign issues shaping the polls

This year’s manifestos and campaigns have highlighted long-standing concerns among students:

Hostel shortage: Affordable housing remains a major problem for outstation students.
Fee hikes: Rising costs continue to be a central concern.
Campus safety: Women’s safety is a key election promise.
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Concerns about workload, curriculum changes, and student life are widely debated.

Why these polls matter beyond DU

The DUSU elections are closely tracked nationwide, often seen as a barometer of youth sentiment and a launchpad for future political leaders.

Former student leaders such as late finance minister Arun Jaitley and Congress leader Ajay Maken began their journeys here.As voting begins today, all eyes are on Delhi University students to decide who will represent them in the 2025–26 academic year. The results, to be declared tomorrow, will indicate which vision of student leadership resonates most with the campus.

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