New Delhi, Jul 28 (PTI) Raincoats, umbrellas and waterlogging marked the start of Delhi University’s new academic session as heavy rain drenched the National Capital on Tuesday.
The downpour, however, did little to dampen the excitement on campuses where thousands of freshers arrived for orientation programmes, carrying backpacks, admission documents and expectations of a new beginning.
Students from across the country streamed into college gates – excited, nervous and curious- ready to begin what many described as a long-awaited chapter.
Eighteen-year-old Swati, who goes by her first name and has travelled from Mumbai, said getting admission to Ramjas College, one of her top choices, made the wait worthwhile.
“Everyone dreams of having a very happening college life, and what better place than Delhi University? I am so excited about this new chapter,” she said, adding that she had already made a few new friends during the orientation.
As rain continued to fall through the day, the nervousness visible on many faces gradually gave way to laughter, campus walks and conversations over tea and snacks.
Pranabh Kumar, who has come from Jharkhand to study at Hindu College, said moving to a new city felt intimidating but exciting.
“It is a little intimidating, but this has been worth the wait. I have heard so much about Hindu College and the North Campus. I am really excited to explore the campus and try all the famous food spots here,” he said.
With a backpack slung over his shoulders and a half-folded umbrella in one hand, Kumar said he looked forward to meeting people from different parts of the country and experiencing hostel life.
At Miranda House, first-year student Aditi Sharma from Jaipur said she had imagined her first day on campus differently but would remember it because of the rain.
“I thought I would spend the day taking pictures around the campus, but instead we were all trying to stay dry. It actually helped us start conversations with each other. Everyone is equally new here, so it felt easy to make friends,” she said.
College authorities said the weather had little impact on attendance, with orientation programmes witnessing an encouraging turnout of first-year students.
Kirori Mal College Principal Dinesh Khattar said attendance during the department-wise orientation sessions was “really good” despite persistent rainfall.
“The turnout from first-year students was really good. Department-wise orientation programmes were held on Tuesday, and students stayed back to familiarise themselves with the campus even as it rained,” he said.
Khattar said regular classes for first-year students would commence on Wednesday, while a common orientation programme is scheduled for August 1 evening, which is expected to be attended by the Lieutenant Governor.
Ramjas College Principal Ajay Kumar Arora also described the turnout as encouraging.
“The response from students has been good. The final batch will, however, be formed once the admission process is completed,” he said.
Even as classrooms welcomed their newest students, the admission process continued for thousands of aspirants awaiting confirmation of seats.
Delhi University is currently conducting the second round of undergraduate admissions under the Common Seat Allocation System (CSAS).
According to the university, 24,814 candidates have received fresh seat allocations in the second round, while 30,682 candidates have secured upgrades to higher-preference programmes or colleges. A total of 88,584 candidates remain active in the second round of admissions.
The university has revised the admission schedule for the second round.
Colleges can verify and approve applications till 11.59 pm on Tuesday, July 28, while the last date for payment of admission fees is 11.59 pm on Wednesday, July 29. PTI AHD AHD MDO MDO
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