Saddi Dilli is blessed to have the Delhi University or the University of Delhi which is a premier university of India and is known for its high standards in teaching and research and attracts eminent scholars and students to its faculty from all over the world. The Delhi University was established in 1922 as a unitary, teaching and residential university by an Act of the then Central Legislative Assembly. The President of India is the Visitor, the Vice President is the Chancellor and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India is the Pro-Chancellor of the Delhi University.
Ever since its inception, the Delhi University has promised a strong commitment towards excellence in teaching and research which has made this Saddi Dilli’s University a role-model for all other Universities in India. Its rich academic tradition has always attracted the most talented students who later went on to make important contributions to the society.
When the Delhi University was formed, only three colleges existed in Dilli back then: St. Stephen’s College which was founded in 1881, The Hindu College which was founded in 1899 and Ramjas College which was founded in 1917, these colleges were later affiliated with the Delhi University. The Delhi University thus had a modest beginning with just three colleges, two faculties (Arts and Science) and about 750 students.
In October 1933, the University offices and the Library shifted to the Vice-regal Lodge Estate, and till today this site houses the offices of the main functionaries of the Delhi University. The University has grown into one of the largest universities in India. At present, there are 16 faculties, 86 academic departments, 77 colleges and 5 other recognized institutes spread all over the city, with 1.3 lac regular students and 2.6 lac students in non-formal education programme.
Five Departments namely Chemistry, Geology, Zoology, Sociology and History have been awarded the status of the Centers of Advanced Studies. These centers have carved a niche for themselves as centers of excellence in teaching and research in their respective areas. In addition to these, a good number of University departments are also receiving grants under the Special Assistance Programme of the UGC in recognition of their outstanding academic work.
When the Delhi University expanded in many directions to keep the pace with a rapidly growing city, the University’s South Campus was established in 1973 to ease access for the residents of South Dilli. It moved to its present location on Benito Juarez Road, near Dhaula Kuan, in 1984. The Campus is now spread across 69 acres of green, hilly terrain and its buildings blend attractively with the natural surroundings. The various departments are located in the Faculty of Arts and the Faculty of Inter-disciplinary and Applied Sciences. S.P. Jain Centre for Management Studies is also at the South Dilli Campus. Besides these, the Campus has a good library, a Health Centre, a Bank, a Post Office, DTC Pass Section and administrative and examination blocks. South Campus also provides some residential quarters for faculty members and the non-teaching staff. Outstation students are offered accommodation in three hostels.
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