As the calendar flips to September 2025, universities and colleges across India and the United States are grappling with dramatic shifts in undergraduate admissions—some facing stubborn vacancies, others celebrating surges in enrollment, and all contending with the complex realities of student choice and institutional adaptation. The latest figures and official statements reveal a higher education landscape in flux, shaped by new entrance exams, living costs, digital innovation, and global headwinds.
In India, the University of Delhi (DU)—long regarded as a premier destination for undergraduate study—finds itself with more than 9,000 vacant seats after multiple rounds of admissions for the 2025-26 academic year. According to Careers360, these vacancies are spread across both the main campus and peripheral colleges, raising alarms among educators and administrators alike. The university has launched a mop-up round, allowing candidates to compete for remaining spots based on their Class 12 marks, but even this last-ditch effort has left many seats unfilled.
What’s driving this unprecedented shortfall? Delayed admissions have played a major role, with some students unwilling to join classes after the academic session is already underway. Faculty members note that by the time these seats become available, many students have already committed elsewhere. Meanwhile, the rising cost of living in Delhi—especially for those who miss out on hostel accommodation—has become a significant deterrent. "Students who do not get hostel accommodation face high costs of living in Delhi, which is discouraging many from pursuing admission," reports Careers360.
Perhaps the most contentious factor is the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), which has replaced earlier, more localized admissions processes. While intended to standardize entry and broaden access, CUET has, according to some teachers, become a stumbling block for local applicants. Abha Dev Habib, an associate professor at DU, summed up the sentiment in a widely shared Facebook post: "CUET is an unnecessary barricade which the local population doesn't want to overcome. Students from outside may not be interested in those streams or colleges." This shift has led to a paradox: courses and colleges that once attracted Delhi’s own now struggle to fill their classrooms, while out-of-state aspirants often look elsewhere.
The university’s Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF) is also under scrutiny, with feedback from current students shaping perceptions of course value and relevance. As the debate rages, some are beginning to question whether the cachet of a DU degree is fading. Unless the university addresses these admission hurdles and related issues, both students and teachers worry that the problem of vacant seats could persist in future academic cycles.
While Delhi University wrestles with under-enrollment, the southern state of Andhra Pradesh is rolling out a more streamlined—and seemingly effective—admissions process. On September 10, 2025, the Andhra Pradesh State Council of Higher Education (APSCHE) officially released the AP OAMDC 2025 seat allotment results, as reported by oamdc.ucanapply.com. The Online Admissions Module for Degree Colleges (OAMDC) facilitates web-based counseling for a broad range of undergraduate programs, from Arts and Science to Management and Social Work.
Admission through the OAMDC is based on a blend of merit, eligibility, and candidate preferences, with students able to check their allotted colleges and download official allotment letters online. The process is transparent and accessible: students simply log in with their application credentials to view their results and take the next steps. These include online self-reporting—where students accept their allotted seats and pay tuition—and physical reporting at their assigned colleges for document verification. APSCHE has made it clear that students must adhere strictly to published timelines, or risk forfeiting their seats.
Eligibility for the OAMDC process extends to those who have cleared Class 12 exams from either the Andhra Pradesh Board or any other recognized board in India, widening the pool of potential applicants. The digital-first approach, combined with clear communication and structured timelines, appears to be paying off in terms of efficient seat allocation and student satisfaction. Only official channels are recommended for updates, underscoring the importance of transparency and accountability in the admissions process.
Meanwhile, across the globe in the United States, the University of Illinois Springfield (UIS) is experiencing a different set of enrollment dynamics. According to an announcement cited by USA Today, UIS has seen a remarkable 19.1% increase in first-year student enrollment this fall, with 312 freshmen joining compared to 262 the previous year. Transfer enrollments have also inched upward, signaling a modest but positive trend.
Chancellor Janet L. Gooch attributed the uptick to a combination of new scholarships like the Prairie Promise Program, innovative academic offerings, and robust hands-on learning experiences such as internships. "UIS is opening doors and preparing students for successful careers," Gooch stated in the announcement. Illinois residents now make up 71.6% of the student body, with 3,126 students hailing from across the state.
Yet the overall picture is not without its challenges. Total enrollment at UIS after the first 10 days of classes stands at 4,364, down from 4,628 last fall—a decline attributed largely to a drop in international student numbers. International graduate student enrollment fell to 638 from 875, and undergraduate international numbers slipped slightly as well. The culprit? A tangle of visa processing delays, increased documentation requirements, and limited appointments at U.S. consulates, which have prevented many students from arriving on time.
"This fall, many international students faced hurdles such as visa processing delays, increased documentation requirements and limited appointments at U.S. consulates, which prevented them from arriving in time," said Vickie Cook, UIS vice chancellor for enrollment and retention management. In response, UIS has ramped up its virtual outreach, individualized admissions guidance, and is exploring flexible start options for students whose travel has been delayed. The university is also working to strengthen global partnerships and expand cultural and academic support for international students.
In a bid to future-proof its academic offerings, UIS has launched its first Academic Portfolio Review—a comprehensive evaluation of programs based on workforce demand, enrollment trends, and community impact. "This process allows us to identify where we can strengthen programs and explore new opportunities," Gooch explained. The review is intended to keep UIS responsive and forward-thinking, ensuring long-term sustainability and student success.
Online education continues to play a significant role at UIS, with 81.8% of students taking at least one online course. Online learners are spread across 44 states, 81 Illinois counties, and 25 foreign countries, reflecting the university’s broad reach and adaptability in a digital age.
From Delhi to Andhra Pradesh to Illinois, the stories of university admissions in 2025 underscore a common theme: the landscape is changing, and institutions must adapt or risk being left behind. Whether it’s rethinking entrance exams, leveraging technology for smoother admissions, or expanding global partnerships, universities are searching for the right formula to attract, enroll, and support the next generation of students—wherever they may come from.
