DU student union poll on Sept 18, stage set for intense campus face-off

The annual calendar event — Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) election — will happen this year on September 18, setting the stage for an intense face-off between leading student bodies at the prestigious university.

The schedule for DUSU elections 2025-26 was officially announced on Wednesday by the university Registrar.

Polling will take place on September 18 with the RSS-affiliated Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) and Congress’ student body, National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), once again gearing up for a fierce

contest. According to the university notification, the last date for nominations is September 10 by 3 pm. Each nomination form must be accompanied by a Rs 500-demand draft, an affidavit, and a refundable Rs 1 lakh bond. Scrutiny of papers will follow the same day at 3:15 pm, and the provisional list of candidates will be released by 6 pm.

The deadline for the withdrawal of nominations is September 11 by 12 noon, with the final list to be published later that day at 5 pm. The Registrar, in a notice, said the voting for students attending day classes would be held from 8:30 am to 1 pm, while those enrolled in the evening classes will cast their votes between 3 pm and 7:30 pm. Counting will take place the following day i.e. on September 19.

Nomination process & guidelines

Nomination forms for DUSU posts can be submitted at the office of the Chief Election Officer, Conference Centre, North Campus. For Central Council elections, forms must be filed at the concerned college or department. The forms are available at the Chief Election Officer’s office from 10 am to 5 pm on working days and can also be downloaded from the official DU website, du.ac.in.

The elections will be held in line with the Code of Conduct, the DUSU Constitution and various directives from the Supreme Court, Delhi High Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT) — particularly those concerning student politics and prevention of property defacement.

Anti-defacement drive

In a bid to tackle the annual problem of campus defacement during campaigns, Delhi University has issued fresh anti-defacement guidelines. All colleges and departments have been instructed to conduct orientation and sensitisation programmes to encourage students to respect campus walls and public property. Additionally, newly admitted students will be required to sign an anti-defacement affidavit, similar to the anti-ragging undertaking already in place.

This move came in the wake of repeated complaints about posters, graffiti and banners damaging college premises during election season. The university has urged candidates to adopt creative and eco-friendly campaigning methods.

High stakes after last year’s elections

In 2024, NSUI bagged the DUSU president’s post after seven years. It also won joint secretary post, breaking ABVP’s prolonged hold. ABVP retained vice-president and secretary positions.