In a bold step in line with National Education Policy 2020, the Academic Council of Delhi University granted its approval to introducing a one-year postgraduate course. This development will be directly beneficial to DU’s FYUP graduates, wherein they can gain a one-year master’s program. Students from the traditional undergraduate three-year cycle will continue on the two-year PG course on offer.

The structure of the one-year PG programme requires 44 credits, while the two-year programme will consist of 88 credits. This credit-based distinction reflects the comprehensive academic rigor tailored for students from diverse undergraduate backgrounds. The council’s decision marks a significant shift in DU’s academic framework, aiming to provide greater flexibility and inclusivity in higher education.

However, the proposal has not been without its share of controversy. Members of the Academic Council expressed concerns about the feasibility and potential challenges of implementing such a framework. Critics argued that the one-year programme might compromise the depth of academic learning and research opportunities traditionally associated with a master’s degree. These objections, though raised strongly during deliberations, did not deter the council from approving the proposal.

The resolution will be placed before the Executive Council, the apex decision-making body of DU, for ratification. Once ratified, the one-year PG programme will be implemented as part of the “Postgraduate Curriculum Framework 2024” (PGCF 2024). The council approved this framework during its 1021st meeting, marking a progressive step towards aligning the university’s academic offerings with national education reforms.

In addition to the introduction of the one-year PG programme, the council sanctioned a significant proposal aimed at making higher education gender-inclusive. The council has resolved to reserve supernumerary seats in each postgraduate course for single female students. This would encourage more women to pursue higher education by mitigating social and economic barriers which often stand as obstacles to them pursuing higher studies.

It further took a very momentous decision to introduce a PhD programme in Hindu Studies starting from the 2025-26 academic session. This addition would reflect DU’s commitment to diversifying its academic portfolio and nurturing research in rich cultural and philosophical domains. The new PhD programme will attract scholars interested in the philosophical, historical, and cultural dimensions of Hinduism.

These developments represent the efforts made by DU in being at the helm of India’s higher education world while bringing along problems related to infrastructure, faculty readiness, and resources. Critics say that the reduced period of a year for PG might not do justice to delivering the same standards of academic as well as hands-on knowledge, which the two-year programme ensures. Additionally, ensuring that the new academic framework does not dilute the quality of education remains a priority for university authorities.

In that regard, adopting NEP 2020 guidelines comes as part of a larger push towards overhauling the education system nationwide, becoming more interdisciplinary, skill-oriented, and inclusive. The university’s innovative programs – such as one-year PG degrees and reserved seats for single female students – serve as a benchmark for other institutions to follow suit.

While these changes await final approval from the Executive Council, all in the academic world and prospective students keenly observe how the changes will finally take shape. With its legacy and reputation for academic excellence, DU’s steps towards reform will shape the future of postgraduate education in India.