Delhi University has come under fire after its central admission portal listed “Muslim” as a mother tongue option, while omitting Urdu—a move decried as deeply insensitive by language scholars and Muslim communities. Critics argue that referring to a religious identity as a language blurs important cultural boundaries and perpetuates identity-based erasure.

The university’s Urdu departments have long been under pressure. Multiple prominent North and South Campus colleges haven’t recruited Urdu faculty in years, leaving these language programmes dormant despite official listings. Teachers allege systemic neglect and discriminatory practices: Urdu is often excluded from prospectuses and admission cut-offs, effectively stopping new students from enrolling .

Observers linked this latest mislabeling to broader patterns of institutional sidelining of Urdu. Advocates like journalist Masoom Moradabadi have highlighted similar issues, including replacement of Urdu coursework with Sanskrit and dismissive remarks by state officials that degrade Urdu speakers.

Delhi University’s administration has not yet responded publicly. Meanwhile, students, faculty, and minority-rights groups are demanding immediate corrective action—from removing “Muslim” as a language option to actively reinstating Urdu courses and hiring faculty. They warn that without swift reforms, DU risks accelerating the decline of Urdu and undermining its own commitment to linguistic diversity.