DU Introduces 4-Year UG Programs
Posted On July 11, 2025
DU Introduces 4-Year UG Programs- A Landmark Shift Towards NEP 2020
Delhi University (DU), one of India's most prestigious and sought-after higher education institutions, has fully embraced the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by implementing a Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) across all its undergraduate courses. This significant restructuring, which began its phased rollout for the academic session 2022-23 and is fully operational for the 2025-26 admissions cycle, represents a fundamental re-imagining of the traditional three-year degree structure, offering students unprecedented flexibility, multidisciplinary learning opportunities, and pathways to research and advanced studies.
The decision to introduce the FYUP stems directly from the recommendations of the NEP 2020, which advocates for a flexible and student-centric approach to higher education. The policy aims to equip graduates with a broader skill set, foster critical thinking, and encourage interdisciplinary learning. DU's Undergraduate Curriculum Framework 2022 (UGCF 2022) is the blueprint for this transformation, designed to align the university's academic offerings with the core tenets of the NEP. This move positions DU at the forefront of implementing national educational reforms, setting a precedent for other universities across the country.
A cornerstone of the new FYUP is the multiple entry and exit option. This revolutionary feature allows students to exit their undergraduate program at various stages with a recognized qualification, thereby reducing dropout rates and providing valuable credentials for partial completion. Specifically, students can now-
Exit after one year (two semesters) with an Undergraduate Certificate.
Exit after two years (four semesters) with an Undergraduate Diploma.
Exit after three years (six semesters) with a Bachelor's Degree.
Complete the full four years (eight semesters) to earn a Bachelor's Degree with Honours or a Bachelor's Degree with Honours (Research).
This flexibility is particularly beneficial for students who may face financial constraints, wish to gain work experience, or explore different academic pathways. They can re-enter the program at a later stage to continue their education, with their earned credits stored in the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), a digital repository that facilitates transferability of credits between HEIs.
The curriculum under the FYUP is designed to be truly multidisciplinary, moving away from rigid disciplinary silos. Students will have the opportunity to delve deeply into their chosen major while also exploring a wide array of Generic Electives (GEs) from diverse fields. For instance, a science student might opt for a GE in history or literature, fostering a more holistic understanding and broader intellectual horizons. Additionally, the curriculum incorporates Skill Enhancement Courses (SECs) focusing on practical competencies, Value Added Courses (VACs) promoting ethics and societal values, and Ability Enhancement Compulsory Courses (AECCs), including environmental science and a modern Indian language. This comprehensive approach aims to develop well-rounded graduates with both specialized knowledge and essential life skills.
The fourth year of the program is specifically tailored for advanced learning and research. Students who choose to continue for the fourth year will primarily focus on their major discipline, undertaking a significant research project, dissertation, or academic project. This emphasis on research at the undergraduate level is a pivotal aspect of the NEP, aiming to inculcate a research aptitude early in students' academic journeys. Those who successfully complete this research component will be awarded a "Bachelor's Degree with Honours (Research)," making them directly eligible for a one-year Master's program, as per UGC guidelines, and potentially enhancing their prospects for admission to prestigious postgraduate programs and research careers both in India and abroad.
The implementation of the FYUP has also influenced the admission process. For the academic session 2025-26, all undergraduate admissions at Delhi University are being conducted through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) 2025. This national-level entrance examination ensures a standardized and equitable admission process across colleges. DU has also made certain adjustments to its eligibility rules, allowing for more flexible subject combinations in CUET and removing some previous mandatory requirements, such as the 30% score in CUET language papers for BSc (Hons) eligibility, to broaden access.
While the FYUP offers numerous advantages, its implementation has not been without discussions and debates. Concerns were initially raised about the increased duration of the undergraduate program, potentially adding to the financial burden for some families. There were also questions regarding the preparedness of colleges in terms of infrastructure and faculty to deliver the multidisciplinary and research-focused components effectively. However, the university has been working towards addressing these concerns through continuous faculty development programs, curriculum development workshops, and clear guidelines on credit transfer and multiple exit options.
Ultimately, DU's transition to the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme is a monumental undertaking that aligns with the broader national vision of transforming higher education in India. By providing greater flexibility, fostering interdisciplinary learning, and emphasizing research from the undergraduate level, DU aims to produce graduates who are not only academically proficient but also equipped with critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a global outlook. This shift is set to significantly enhance the quality and relevance of higher education in the country, preparing a new generation of learners for the complex challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
Delhi University (DU), one of India's most prestigious and sought-after higher education institutions, has fully embraced the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 by implementing a Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) across all its undergraduate courses. This significant restructuring, which began its phased rollout for the academic session 2022-23 and is fully operational for the 2025-26 admissions cycle, represents a fundamental re-imagining of the traditional three-year degree structure, offering students unprecedented flexibility, multidisciplinary learning opportunities, and pathways to research and advanced studies.
The decision to introduce the FYUP stems directly from the recommendations of the NEP 2020, which advocates for a flexible and student-centric approach to higher education. The policy aims to equip graduates with a broader skill set, foster critical thinking, and encourage interdisciplinary learning. DU's Undergraduate Curriculum Framework 2022 (UGCF 2022) is the blueprint for this transformation, designed to align the university's academic offerings with the core tenets of the NEP. This move positions DU at the forefront of implementing national educational reforms, setting a precedent for other universities across the country.
A cornerstone of the new FYUP is the multiple entry and exit option. This revolutionary feature allows students to exit their undergraduate program at various stages with a recognized qualification, thereby reducing dropout rates and providing valuable credentials for partial completion. Specifically, students can now-
Exit after one year (two semesters) with an Undergraduate Certificate.
Exit after two years (four semesters) with an Undergraduate Diploma.
Exit after three years (six semesters) with a Bachelor's Degree.
Complete the full four years (eight semesters) to earn a Bachelor's Degree with Honours or a Bachelor's Degree with Honours (Research).
This flexibility is particularly beneficial for students who may face financial constraints, wish to gain work experience, or explore different academic pathways. They can re-enter the program at a later stage to continue their education, with their earned credits stored in the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), a digital repository that facilitates transferability of credits between HEIs.
The curriculum under the FYUP is designed to be truly multidisciplinary, moving away from rigid disciplinary silos. Students will have the opportunity to delve deeply into their chosen major while also exploring a wide array of Generic Electives (GEs) from diverse fields. For instance, a science student might opt for a GE in history or literature, fostering a more holistic understanding and broader intellectual horizons. Additionally, the curriculum incorporates Skill Enhancement Courses (SECs) focusing on practical competencies, Value Added Courses (VACs) promoting ethics and societal values, and Ability Enhancement Compulsory Courses (AECCs), including environmental science and a modern Indian language. This comprehensive approach aims to develop well-rounded graduates with both specialized knowledge and essential life skills.
The fourth year of the program is specifically tailored for advanced learning and research. Students who choose to continue for the fourth year will primarily focus on their major discipline, undertaking a significant research project, dissertation, or academic project. This emphasis on research at the undergraduate level is a pivotal aspect of the NEP, aiming to inculcate a research aptitude early in students' academic journeys. Those who successfully complete this research component will be awarded a "Bachelor's Degree with Honours (Research)," making them directly eligible for a one-year Master's program, as per UGC guidelines, and potentially enhancing their prospects for admission to prestigious postgraduate programs and research careers both in India and abroad.
The implementation of the FYUP has also influenced the admission process. For the academic session 2025-26, all undergraduate admissions at Delhi University are being conducted through the Common University Entrance Test (CUET-UG) 2025. This national-level entrance examination ensures a standardized and equitable admission process across colleges. DU has also made certain adjustments to its eligibility rules, allowing for more flexible subject combinations in CUET and removing some previous mandatory requirements, such as the 30% score in CUET language papers for BSc (Hons) eligibility, to broaden access.
While the FYUP offers numerous advantages, its implementation has not been without discussions and debates. Concerns were initially raised about the increased duration of the undergraduate program, potentially adding to the financial burden for some families. There were also questions regarding the preparedness of colleges in terms of infrastructure and faculty to deliver the multidisciplinary and research-focused components effectively. However, the university has been working towards addressing these concerns through continuous faculty development programs, curriculum development workshops, and clear guidelines on credit transfer and multiple exit options.
Ultimately, DU's transition to the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme is a monumental undertaking that aligns with the broader national vision of transforming higher education in India. By providing greater flexibility, fostering interdisciplinary learning, and emphasizing research from the undergraduate level, DU aims to produce graduates who are not only academically proficient but also equipped with critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and a global outlook. This shift is set to significantly enhance the quality and relevance of higher education in the country, preparing a new generation of learners for the complex challenges and opportunities of the 21st century.
