DUSU Elections 2026: Do’s And Don’ts For Contesting Students, Key Rules Here

The Delhi University Students Union (DUSU) Elections 2026 will be held on September 18, 2026, in two sessions from 8:30 am to 1:30 pm and 3 pm to 7:30 pm. The counting of votes will take place on September 19, with the final contestant list to be released on September 11. The University of Delhi (DU) has issued guidelines outlining what students contesting the elections can and cannot do during the election process.

As per the rules, candidates must meet the prescribed eligibility criteria, including the minimum attendance requirement of 75 per cent or the University-prescribed minimum, whichever is higher. Candidates must also adhere to the campaign expenditure limit of Rs. 5,000.

DUSU Elections 2026: Do’s

1. Candidates contesting the DUSU Elections 2026 must follow the rules laid down by the University and the Election Authority. The key permissible activities include:
2. Candidates must be regular, full-time students and meet the prescribed age, attendance and academic eligibility requirements.
3. Campaign expenditure must remain within the prescribed limit of Rs. 5,000 per candidate.
4. Candidates must maintain proper election accounts and submit complete and audited accounts within the prescribed deadline after the results.
5. Only hand-made posters are permitted for campaigning, and these can be displayed only at designated locations, including the notified “Walls of Democracy”.
6. Candidates must obtain prior written permission from the concerned university or college authorities for processions, meetings or other permitted campaign activities.
7. Candidates must cooperate with election officials, observers and the Grievance Cell and follow directions issued by the Election Committee.
8. Campaign material must be removed within the prescribed time after polling, and candidates must cooperate in cleaning polling areas.
9. Candidates must follow all additional rules and directions issued by DU or their respective colleges during the election process.

DUSU Elections 2026: Don’ts

The University has also prohibited several activities during the election process. Key restrictions include:

1. Candidates must not involve non-students, political party functionaries or outsiders in campaigning, decision-making or election-related activities.
2. Candidates must not accept financial or material support from political parties or external organisations.
3. Candidates must not exceed the Rs. 5,000 campaign expenditure limit or fail to submit the required election accounts.
4. Printed posters, pamphlets and leaflets cannot be printed or distributed for canvassing.
5. Candidates must not paste posters, banners or graffiti on public, MCD, DMRC, university or college property, except at authorised locations.
6. Candidates and their supporters must not deface, damage or destroy public or university property.
7. Canvassing is prohibited within 100 metres of polling stations. Candidates must also not distribute campaign material or food, except water, or arrange transportation for voters on polling day.
8. Loudspeakers, campaign vehicles, dhols, animals and mascots cannot be used for campaigning on campus.
9. Candidates must not make appeals for votes based on caste, religion, language or community, or use communal or casteist propaganda.
10. Bribery, intimidation, impersonation and other corrupt or criminal practices are strictly prohibited.
11. Candidates must not make personal attacks or circulate unverified allegations against opponents; criticism should be restricted to their public record, policies and work.
12. Candidates must ensure that their supporters do not damage or deface property, as candidates may also be held responsible for such violations.
13. Only voters and authorised persons with valid permission may enter polling booths during voting.

DUSU DOs And Dont's Official Notice Download Link

Students contesting the DUSU Elections 2026 are required to comply with the University’s election guidelines throughout the nomination, campaigning, polling and post-election process. Violations can result in disciplinary action, disqualification or other penalties as applicable under the rules.