New Delhi, India — April 16, 2026
The University of Delhi is set to undergo significant academic restructuring after its Academic Council approved a series of reforms, including the introduction of one-year postgraduate (PG) programs and a new “Semester Away Program.”
The changes are aligned with the National Education Policy 2020 and aim to provide greater flexibility and global exposure to students.
🎓 One-Year PG Courses Get Approval
The move comes as Delhi University’s four-year undergraduate program enters its final year, allowing eligible students to pursue accelerated postgraduate degrees.
🌍 Semester Away Program for Global Exposure
A major highlight of the reforms is the introduction of the Semester Away Program (SAP), which will enable DU students to spend one semester at foreign higher education institutions.
Credits earned abroad will be counted toward their degree requirements, enhancing international academic collaboration and mobility.
💻 MOOCs and Digital Learning Integration
The council also approved allowing students to earn up to 5% of their academic credits through online platforms such as SWAYAM and other MOOCs.
Officials said the move is intended to encourage flexible and interdisciplinary learning using digital education resources.
⚠️ Faculty Concerns and Debate
Despite the approvals, several faculty members raised concerns about the impact of these reforms on academic quality and institutional processes.
Elected Executive Council member Monami Sinha alleged that discussions during the meeting were limited and dissenting voices were not adequately addressed.
Some members also claimed that the meeting was adjourned abruptly while key issues were still under discussion.
💰 Funding and Implementation Questions
Concerns were also raised regarding the funding model for the Semester Away Program, with some members questioning whether costs would be passed on to students through fees.
University authorities, however, emphasized that the reforms are designed to expand learning opportunities and align with global education standards.
📚 New Courses and Academic Expansions
The Academic Council approved multiple new programs and curriculum updates, including:
- Two-year MA Philosophy program under semester system
- Courses in Hindi, English, Punjabi, and Sanskrit
- Master of Journalism and Mass Communication at Delhi School of Journalism
- MSc Mathematics (one-year and two-year formats)
- MA Hindi Journalism second semester curriculum
Additionally, self-learning materials for the School of Open Learning (SOL) were approved in line with UGCF 2022 guidelines.
🏥 New Medical Courses Approved
The council also cleared the launch of super-specialty medical programs, including:
- DM in Pediatric Nephrology at Lady Hardinge Medical College
- DM in Medical Genetics at Maulana Azad Medical College
Each program will offer two seats annually.
🔬 Research and Institutional Changes
In a structural shift, the university approved renaming its “Research Council” to the Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Council, reflecting a broader focus on innovation-driven academic work.
The Vice Chancellor has also directed departments to identify top academic journals within 30 days to support research publication efforts.
📊 What It Means for Students
These reforms mark a major transition in Delhi University’s academic structure, focusing on flexibility, global exposure, and digital integration.
However, the final implementation will depend on approval from the Executive Council and further policy clarifications.
