3.jpg)
The ambitious vocational education initiative launched in 2020 by the Delhi Skill and Entrepreneurship University to widen access to job-oriented learning for youth from low-income and underserved communities is facing significant setbacks five years on, with major seat closures and a sharp fall in student intake, according to recent data submitted to a government-appointed review panel.
Steep Decline in Seats and Enrolments
Originally created by merging 10 government polytechnics to boost vocational opportunities, the university has seen a dramatic reduction in available seats and student registrations. Diploma intake has dropped by nearly half since its launch, with several courses cut entirely due to low participation.
Vacant Seats and Under-Filled Programs
Current enrollment figures reveal that roughly 39% of seats remain vacant, and many programs are operating at less than half capacity. Some diploma and undergraduate programs have reportedly attracted only a handful of students, prompting concerns about the institution’s relevance and appeal to prospective learners.
Fee Hikes and Infrastructure Issues
Critics have pointed to sharp fee increases over recent years as a factor in diminishing student interest. At certain campuses, infrastructure problems such as non-functional labs and inadequate facilities were also highlighted in the panel’s review, potentially deterring applicants and contributing to program closures.
Programme Cuts and Gender-Specific Seats Eliminated
The university has shut several undergraduate and postgraduate programs, with notable elimination of girls-only diploma seats across multiple disciplines. This shift has raised questions about the institution’s ability to sustain gender-inclusive vocational education models.
Government Review Underway
A Delhi government-appointed committee is currently examining complaints about DSEU’s functioning, including the impact of its initial polytechnic merger and recent governance issues. Officials met recently to discuss the panel’s findings and outline possible reforms.
What began as an ambitious effort to transform skills education in the capital has hit a challenging phase, with declining enrollments, fee hikes, and program closures undermining early optimism. The coming months will be crucial for the university’s leadership and policymakers as they consider steps to revive interest, improve infrastructure, and realign vocational offerings with student expectations and job market needs.
