Delhi University (DU) has greenlit a comprehensive package of academic reforms, poised to reshape postgraduate education, enhance student mobility, and expand digital learning opportunities. The university's Academic Council recently approved key proposals that align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
One-Year Postgraduate Programs Introduced
Among the most significant changes is the approval of one-year postgraduate programmes. These accelerated programs are designed for eligible students who have completed DU’s four-year undergraduate degree structure. The shorter PG route is expected to be implemented across various departments, including humanities, languages, mathematics, computer science, and journalism-related disciplines, coinciding with the first cohort of four-year undergraduate students nearing graduation.
Semester Away Scheme for International Exposure
To foster global academic engagement, the council also approved a 'Semester Away Programme'. This initiative will allow students to spend one semester at a foreign higher education institution, with credits earned during this period transferable towards their Delhi University degree. This is subject to academic equivalence and course overlap regulations, signaling DU's commitment to providing international exposure while maintaining its degree framework.
Expansion of Online Learning and MOOC Integration
DU is also set to significantly expand its online and distance learning offerings. In-principle approval was granted for several undergraduate and postgraduate programs through the School of Open Learning (SOL) and the Centre for Open Learning, slated for the 2027-28 academic session. These new offerings include courses in English, Commerce, Computer Science, Multimedia, MBA, and various foreign-language certificates and diplomas, contingent on academic and infrastructure readiness.
Further enhancing flexible learning, students will now be able to earn up to 5% of their required academic credits through recognized Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) platforms like SWAYAM. This move aims to provide students with diverse learning pathways, though some elected members voiced concerns regarding implementation clarity and academic implications.
Reforms in Research and Professional Education
Beyond student-centric initiatives, the reforms extend to research governance. The Vice-Chancellor has directed departments to compile lists of top journals in their respective fields, complete with scoring criteria and rankings, to establish clearer publication benchmarks. Additionally, the Research Council will be renamed the Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Council, reflecting a broader emphasis on applied outcomes and innovation-driven research.
The meeting also saw approvals for new super-specialty DM programs at Lady Hardinge Medical College and Maulana Azad Medical College, each with two annual seats. A two-year M.Ed program with 50 seats was also approved for Maharishi Valmiki College of Education, subject to necessary compliances.