The University of Delhi has opened applications for the Competence Enhancement Scheme (CES) 2026, offering learners from different age groups and professional backgrounds an opportunity to study selected papers alongside regular university students.The initiative, built around the idea of “Any Course, Any Age,” is aimed at widening access to higher education and encouraging lifelong learning in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Under the scheme, eligible candidates can apply for individual papers rather than enrolling in a full-fledged degree programme.Interested candidates can register through the official CES portal and are advised to check the list of available papers, eligibility requirements and course-specific prerequisites before submitting their applications.
Who can apply under DU Competence Enhancement Scheme 2026?
Candidates who fulfil the minimum eligibility criteria and academic prerequisites prescribed for an existing course can apply for individual papers under CES.The scheme is open to both working and non-working learners, widening its scope beyond recent school or college graduates.Working professionals can also apply, although they may be required to submit a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer wherever applicable. The requirement is expected to ensure that candidates can meet the academic and attendance-related obligations associated with the paper they choose.Delhi University alumni who have completed their studies are also eligible to apply under the scheme.
Regular DU students cannot apply under CES
The scheme is not open to candidates who are already enrolled in a programme at the University of Delhi.This means that students currently pursuing undergraduate, postgraduate or other programmes at DU will not be eligible to seek admission to an additional paper through the Competence Enhancement Scheme.Candidates who are enrolled at another university or educational institution may also have to submit a No-Objection Certificate, wherever required under the admission conditions.Applicants have therefore been advised to carefully examine the eligibility requirements and documentation conditions before registering.
DU CES 2026 : What applicants should check before applying
Candidates planning to apply under the Competence Enhancement Scheme should review the following details carefully:
- List of papers available under CES 2026
- Minimum eligibility criteria for the selected paper
- Course-specific academic prerequisites
- Seat availability
- NOC requirements for working professionals, wherever applicable
- Documentation requirements for candidates enrolled in other institutions
- Registration and admission conditions listed on the CES portal
With applications now open, prospective learners can explore the available academic options and apply for papers for which they meet the prescribed requirements.Here is the direct link to apply here.