Delhi University Plans EVMs for College-Level Student Union Elections in 2026-27
Delhi University is planning to introduce electronic voting machines (EVMs) for student union elections across its various colleges starting in the 2026–27 academic year, university officials announced. The initiative aims to standardise the voting process across colleges and phase out the traditional paper-ballot system.
To facilitate the transition, DU has procured approximately 1,000 EVMs through the Election Commission of India (ECI). While Delhi University Students’ Union (DUSU) elections have utilized EVMs since 2006, individual college-level elections have largely continued to rely on paper ballots.
DU Chief Election Officer Raj Kishore Sharma stated that the procurement will provide an alternative for colleges conducting individual elections. Of the 91 colleges affiliated with DU, 47 are affiliated with DUSU. Regardless of DUSU affiliation, all colleges hold their own student union polls, often following varying timelines.
DU Registrar Vikas Gupta confirmed the move, noting that several existing EVMs had become obsolete, necessitating replacements and additional units. Gupta explained that the university now holds a larger stock of machines compared to previous years, putting the administration in a stronger position to assist colleges wanting to adopt EVMs for their local polls.
College heads have welcomed the planned adoption, noting that electronic voting will reduce logistical challenges. Hansraj College Principal Rama Sharma pointed out that ballot-paper elections require extensive administrative arrangements, particularly in large institutions with over 5,000 voters, requiring substantial deployment of teaching and non-teaching staff for polling, paper distribution, maintenance of booths, and counting.
Miranda House Principal Bijayalaxmi Nanda also supported the plan, stating that introducing EVMs with appropriate safeguards would make the electoral process more efficient and reduce paper usage.
For the current academic cycle, the university has scheduled DUSU and central council elections for September 18, with the nomination deadline set for September 10.
