St. Stephen's College, University of Delhi is one of India's most prestigious liberal arts colleges (est. 1881), known for its rigorous undergraduate education and famous alumni in academia, civil services and politics. Admission combines CUET-UG score (85%), followed by a College Personal Interview (15%). St. Stephen's is exceptional in DU for retaining its independent interview-based selection alongside CUET. The college admits ~400 students annually across 8 disciplines, with a strong Christian minority reservation alongside open seats.
Exam Pattern
Mode:CUET-UG score (85%) + St. Stephen's Personal Interview (15%)
Duration:Interview ~20-30 minutes per candidate
Total Marks:Composite - CUET (85%) + Interview (15%)
Marking Scheme:CUET follows NTA marking; interview qualitative
Sections
CUET-UG (Section IA English + Domain Subjects)
Per CUET pattern Questions•85% weight in final merit Marks
St. Stephen's Personal Interview
Subject knowledge + general awareness + personality Questions•15% weight Marks
Syllabus
Per CUET-UG
See CUET-UG syllabus for chosen domain subjects + General Test
Interview Preparation
Deep reading of subject area (especially for English Hons, Pol Sc Hons, Economics Hons)
Current affairs, philosophy of education
Why St. Stephen's, career goals
Eligibility Criteria
Valid CUET-UG score in relevant subjects
Passed Class 12 with minimum 60% (varies by course)
Christian minority reservation: separate quota with reduced cut-off requirement
Sports/ECA category: separate quota with portfolio + trials
Important Dates
CUET-UG (prerequisite)
May-June 2027 (tentative - confirm on official website)
St. Stephen's application opens
Late June 2027 (tentative)
Interview window
Late June - Early July 2027 (tentative)
Admission rounds
July 2027 (tentative)
Application Process
Take CUET-UG with subjects relevant to chosen Hons course
Apply separately on ststephens.edu after CUET results
Pay application fee online
Shortlisted candidates receive interview call at St. Stephen's campus (Old Delhi)
Attend interview with subject panel
Final merit list with composite (CUET + Interview) score; admission letter follows
💡 Preparation Tips
St. Stephen's interviews are famously rigorous - subject knowledge depth matters
Read widely beyond NCERT - for English Hons, read literary criticism, classics, contemporary fiction
For Economics Hons, follow current economic policy debates, read business newspapers
Be authentic - the panel respects intellectual curiosity over rehearsed answers
Prepare 2-minute self-introduction linking your interest to the chosen subject
Avoid coaching-style answers - Stephanians value original thinking
❓ FAQs
Is St. Stephen's part of DU CSAS?
Yes, technically St. Stephen's is a DU constituent college, but it has been granted permission by Supreme Court to retain its own interview-based selection alongside CUET - a unique privilege in DU.
What is the Christian minority quota?
As a Christian minority institution, St. Stephen's reserves 50% of seats for Christian candidates (with lower CUET cut-offs but still requires interview clearance). The remaining 50% is open merit. Sports/ECA quota is in addition.
Which courses are most competitive at Stephens?
Economics Honours and English Honours are the most competitive, with CUET cut-offs typically 95%+ in relevant sections. Pol Sc Hons, History Hons and B.Sc Physics also have very high cut-offs.