In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP), Delhi University (DU) is set to introduce a one-year postgraduate (PG) programme starting in 2026. The draft proposal for this initiative is slated for discussion at the Academic Council meeting on December 27. The proposal outlines significant curriculum reforms, including the development of distinct curricula for both one-year and two-year PG courses.
Under the one-year programme, students will be required to earn 22 credits per semester, culminating in 44 credits for the degree. Meanwhile, the two-year PG programme will involve 88 credits. As per University Grants Commission (UGC) standards, the one-year degree will be assigned a level of 6, while the two-year programme will be at level 6.5.
This shift follows DU’s earlier adoption of a four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP), which aligns with the NEP’s flexible exit policy. Under the FYUP structure, students exiting after the first year receive a certificate, while those leaving after the second year are awarded a diploma. A three-year completion earns students a bachelor’s degree, and a four-year completion leads to a degree with honours.
Students who complete the three-year undergraduate degree can pursue the two-year PG course, while those completing the four-year programme will be eligible for the one-year PG course.
Despite the promising reforms, the proposed system has faced criticism from some faculty members, who argue that it is being pushed through hastily. However, DU is actively working on preparations to implement these changes effectively, ensuring compliance with NEP objectives and UGC guidelines.
The upcoming council meeting will be crucial in determining the fate of this initiative, which aims to enhance academic flexibility and align higher education with global standards.