For the first time, Delhi University to award degrees in the same calendar year

The University of Delhi (DU) will award degrees to more than 92,000 undergraduate and postgraduate students at its 103rd annual convocation on November 20, 2026. In a significant change to its academic process, the university will confer degrees in the same calendar year in which students complete their courses, marking the first time it has adopted this practice.

According to the university, the move is intended to help graduates access their degree certificates promptly as they apply for higher education, employment and opportunities abroad. Delays in receiving formal qualification documents can complicate admission and recruitment processes.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Yogesh Singh said the decision was taken with students’ academic and professional requirements in mind.

As per the university’s figures, 85,231 undergraduate students and 7,235 postgraduate students will receive their degrees at the convocation. In addition, more than 400 PhD scholars are expected to be awarded their doctoral degrees.

The ceremony will also recognise academic excellence. A total of 163 students will receive gold medals, one student will be awarded a silver medal, and 34 students will receive other awards.

The university has scheduled the convocation to begin at 9:30 am at the Multipurpose Hall of the Delhi University Sports Stadium Complex. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will attend as the chief guest.

The decision to award degrees within the year of course completion is expected to make the transition from university to employment or further studies more convenient. Timely access to degree certificates can be particularly important for graduates working against application deadlines or completing documentation requirements for institutions outside India.

The change marks an administrative shift in how the university handles degree distribution, placing greater emphasis on aligning certification with students’ academic timelines.