The Delhi University has commenced its Extra-Curricular Activities (ECA) trials for undergraduate admissions for the 2025–26 academic year. The trials commenced on July 18 and will run till July 26, 2025, in several of the DU colleges. The university has made available a comprehensive schedule that includes trials for all 14 approved ECA categories such as music, dance, theatre, debate, yoga, fine arts, creative writing, quiz, and digital media.
These trials form an integral part of the admission procedure under the ECA quota, which enables students who have established talent in extra-curricular activities to secure admission into DU colleges.
What Is the ECA Quota in Delhi University?
The ECA quota enables students with outstanding achievements in non-academic activities to apply for admission in DU. These include activities such as:
- Singing
- Dancing
- Debating
- Theatre
- Painting
- Yoga
- Photography
- Animation
- Writing
- Quiz contests, and others
For such students, DU provides weightage to their ECA trial and certificate performance, as well as their CUET UG score.
Total Reserved Seats Under ECA Quota
In 2025 admissions, Delhi University has reserved 1,347 seats under the ECA quota in 14 categories. These include:
ECA Category | No. of Seats |
Dance (Indian Classical, Folk, etc.) | 275 |
Theatre | 122 |
NSS (National Service Scheme) | 100 |
NCC (National Cadet Corps) | 98 |
Yoga | 42 |
Quiz | 25 |
Music (Indian/Western) | Varies |
Debate (Hindi and English) | Varies |
Creative Writing (Hindi/English) | Varies |
Digital Media (Animation, Film, etc.) | Varies |
Fine Arts (Sketching, Sculpture) | Varies |
Divinity | Included |
Note: NSS and NCC do not involve physical trials. The candidates for these categories are assessed on certificates only.
College-Wise ECA Trial Schedule
DU has granted specific colleges and dates to each category's trial. Here is a detailed trial schedule for 2025:
ECA Category | College | Trial Dates |
Hindi & English Debate | Ramjas College | July 18 – 26 |
Theatre | Miranda House | July 18 – 26 |
Indian Dance, Western Dance | Mata Sundri College | July 18 – 26 |
Yoga | Bharati College | From July 21 |
Indian Vocal & Instrumental | Bharati College | July 18 onwards |
Instrumental Music (Western) | Sri Aurobindo College (Evening) | July 21 – 24 |
Fine Arts | Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College | From July 21 |
Digital Media | Maharaja Agrasen College | July 21 – 23 |
Creative Writing (Hindi/English) | TBA (Single-slot only) | July 21 |
Quiz | TBA (Single-slot only) | July 22 |
The trials will assist colleges in evaluating the actual performance and abilities of applicants.
How Are ECA Candidates Evaluated?
Delhi University employs a composite evaluation system for students seeking admission under the ECA quota. The weightage is allotted as follows:
- 75% Weightage: Performance in ECA, comprising both:
- Certificates (awards and participation in competitions, etc.)
- Physical Trials (performance during the trial at DU)
- 25% Weightage: CUET UG score
So, although academic performance is crucial, your performance and talent in the ECA category is the primary deciding factor.
Detailed Overview of ECA Categories
ECA Category | Seats | Key Areas of Evaluation / Sub-Categories | Venue | Trial Dates | Important Notes |
Dance | 275 | Indian Classical (Kathak, Bharatanatyam), Indian Folk (Bhangra, Garba), Western Dance, Choreography | Mata Sundri College | July 18 – 26 | Bring music files and dance attire if needed |
Theatre | 122 | Acting, Dialogue delivery, Stage presence, Expressions | Miranda House | July 18 – 26 | Prepare a monologue or short skit |
Debate (Hindi/English) | Varies | Clarity of thought, Public speaking, Argument structure, Language skills | Ramjas College | July 18 – 26 | Bring a prepared topic for impromptu rounds |
Digital Media | Varies | Photography, Short Films, Animation, Digital Art | Maharaja Agrasen College | July 21 – 23 | Bring portfolio or samples if applicable |
Fine Arts | Varies | Sketching, Use of color, Theme interpretation, 3D sculpture (if applicable) | Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College | From July 21 | Bring your own drawing materials unless told otherwise |
Music (Indian/Western) | Varies | Indian Classical Vocal, Western Vocal, Indian Instrumental, Western Instrumental | Bharati College (Indian) Sri Aurobindo College (Western) | Indian: From July 18 Western: July 23–24 | Carry your own instrument if possible |
Creative Writing | Varies | Hindi and English creative writing | TBA | July 21 (One-time slot) | No rescheduling allowed |
Quiz | 25 | General knowledge, Logical reasoning, Speed | TBA | July 22 (One-time slot) | One chance only—no repeat trials |
Yoga | 42 | Yoga asanas, Breathing techniques, Understanding of yoga principles | Bharati College | From July 21 | Wear comfortable clothes; bring your own mat if needed |
NCC | 98 | Based on certificates and achievements | No physical trial | — | Upload documents in correct format during application |
NSS | 100 | Based on certificates and volunteer work | No physical trial | — | Make sure achievements are well-documented and uploaded properly |
General ECA Trial Guidelines
1. Never Be Late: Make sure you reach your ECA trial place well in time. Delhi University is extremely particular about this. In case you miss your slot, there will be no second chance.
2. Bring All the Essential Things: Bring your DU application form, valid proof of identity, and corresponding item such as musical instrument, painting material, props, or yoga mat with you. Failure to bring them with you can hinder your performance.
3. Dress Comfortably for Performance-Based Categories: In case you are about to attend dance, theatre, or yoga trials, wear your regular, comfortable clothes. No costumes to ensure comfort in movement.
4. Be Present: Each ECA trial gives you a mere two minutes to fill. So, practice in advance and your impression will count.
5. Don't Forget Your Certificates: Carry original certificates of events, competitions, or workshops that you have attended. They add to your score and prove useful during document verification.
6. Exceptions for NCC and NSS: If you have applied under the NCC or NSS category, you will not be required to appear for a live trial. The evaluation is done by documents and certificates.
Can You Reschedule a Trial?
Single-slot events (Creative Writing, Quiz) cannot be rescheduled.
For multi-day categories, candidates outstation can ask to change, but only within the scheduled dates and with valid proof. This is not guaranteed to be approved.
DU Admission Schedule for ECA Category
Event | Date |
ECA Trials Start | July 18, 2025 |
Last Date of Trials | July 26, 2025 |
First Seat Allocation List | July 29, 2025 (Tentative) |
Admission Confirmation | August 2025 (Based on the List) |
Why Choose DU Under the ECA Quota?
- Opportunity to match talent with academics
- Offers an opportunity to develop your field
- Join DU's vibrant societies in music, dance, theatre, etc.
- Good balance of culture and studies
Final Thoughts
If you have got interest and talent beyond academics then DU's ECA admission policy is an excellent opportunity for you. If you are a performer, artist, photographer, dancer, singer, or debater, now is your time to shine. Through the 1,347 seats offered under the ECA quota, Delhi University provides numerous young talents an opportunity to pursue education at one of India's most prestigious institutions.
Recall that the trials will be held from July 18 to July 26, 2025 in various colleges. You will not have a second opportunity if you fail to attend your allotted time. Therefore, be prepared, prepare yourself well, and do your best!
