Delhi University has taken a bold step forward in aligning its postgraduate offerings with the National Education Policy 2020, approving one-year master's programmes and a groundbreaking Semester Away Program. These reforms, greenlit by the Academic Council on April 15, 2026, promise greater flexibility for students, faster entry into the workforce, and enhanced global exposure. As India's premier central university, DU's moves signal a transformative shift in higher education, catering to the evolving needs of a dynamic job market while fostering research and international collaboration.

The Postgraduate Curriculum Framework 2024 forms the backbone of these changes, introducing multiple pathways that reward undergraduate rigour with accelerated postgraduate options. For the first batch of four-year undergraduate programme graduates, this means the chance to complete a full master's in just one year, packed with intensive coursework, research, or skill-building. Meanwhile, the Semester Away Program opens doors for undergraduates to study abroad seamlessly, transferring credits back to DU degrees.

NEP 2020: The Driving Force Behind DU's Postgraduate Overhaul

The National Education Policy 2020 envisioned a multidisciplinary, flexible higher education system with multiple entry and exit points. Delhi University, one of the earliest adopters with its four-year undergraduate programme rollout in 2022, is now extending this vision to postgraduate levels. The PGCF 2024 emphasizes outcomes-based learning, blending core disciplines, electives, skills, and research to produce industry-ready graduates.

Key pillars include recognition of prior learning, entrepreneurship tracks, and integration of online courses from platforms like SWAYAM—up to 5% of total credits. This framework addresses longstanding critiques of rigid two-year master's degrees, which often delayed career starts for students from three-year bachelor's backgrounds. DU's reforms ensure equivalence: a one-year PG after four years UG matches the rigour of traditional two-year paths.

One-Year Postgraduate Programmes: Structure and Flexibility

At the heart of the reforms, one-year PG programmes target DU's four-year UG graduates with a major in the relevant discipline. Spanning two intensive semesters, these programmes total 44 credits—22 per semester—mirroring the second year of two-year PG options.

Three tracks cater to diverse goals:

• Coursework Only: Focuses on discipline-specific cores (DSC), electives (DSE), generic electives (GE), and 2-credit skill modules like internships or workshops.
• Coursework + Research: Adds a 6-credit dissertation or project, reducing DSC/DSE load for balanced depth.
• Research Only: Immersive research with methodology courses, culminating in prototypes, publications, or patents.

Assessments blend continuous evaluation, exams, and viva voce, ensuring holistic skill development. This structure accelerates timelines: FYUP students can enter professional roles a year sooner, saving time and costs.

Eligibility Criteria and Application Roadmap

Strictly for DU's FYUP completers with a major—ensuring seamless progression without bridging gaps. Three-year UG holders stick to two-year PGs, maintaining equity.

Step-by-step process:

1. Complete FYUP with minimum CGPA in major (department-specific).
2. Clear CUET-PG or DUET for entry.
3. Choose track via department counselling.
4. Secure DRC/BRS approval for research paths.
5. Enroll from 2026-27 session.

DU's first FYUP batch (2022 entrants) will pioneer this in 2026, with expansions planned.

Photo by Fuzail Ahmad on Unsplash

Departments Rolling Out One-Year PG Programmes

Initial rollout spans humanities, sciences, and professional fields: Philosophy, Hindi, English, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Mathematics, Computer Science, and Master of Journalism & Mass Communication. Super-speciality medical PGs like DM in Paediatric Nephrology (2 seats) and Medical Genetics join, plus M.Ed (50 seats) from 2026-27.

Expansion to School of Open Learning (SOL) from 2027-28 includes English, Commerce, Computer Science, Multimedia, MBA, and foreign language diplomas—blending offline, ODL, and online modes for wider access.

Semester Away Program: Bridging DU to Global Campuses

Under UGCF 2022, SAP lets third- or fourth-year UG students spend a semester at top foreign universities (QS/THE ranked). Credits transfer directly—no duplication with DU courses—preserving degree timelines.

Self-funded via fees, it targets mobility without financial barriers for all. Partnerships prioritize global leaders; exact lists pending, but expect alliances like those with University of Melbourne or National University of Singapore based on rankings.

Benefits include cultural immersion, diverse pedagogy, and resume boosters—vital in a globalized job market where 70% of employers value international experience (per recent QS surveys).

Stakeholder Perspectives: Enthusiasm Meets Caution

VC Prof. Yogesh Singh hailed it as 'flexibility for academic journeys'. Registrar Dr. Vikas Gupta noted blurring institutional boundaries.

Yet, DUTA members dissented: rushed approvals curtailed debate, SWAYAM credits risk quality dilution, SAP funding burdens students. Language faculty worried over Scopus publication mandates, prompting 30-day journal list deadlines.

Experts like Prof. Maya Sharma (JNU) praise acceleration but urge safeguards: 'Rigour must match duration to uphold DU's prestige.'

Challenges Ahead: Quality, Equity, and Implementation

Risks include research depth in condensed formats, affordability for SAP (fees could hit ₹5-10 lakh/semester), and faculty workload. DU counters with formalized benchmarks: top-20 journal lists, innovation councils linking research to startups.

Equity measures: Scholarships for SC/ST/OBC, SWAYAM for remote access. Monitoring via Research, Innovation & Entrepreneurship Council ensures outcomes like patents and publications.

Photo by Shantanu Goyal on Unsplash

Impacts on Students and Careers

For students: Shorter paths mean quicker employability—vital amid 15% youth unemployment. One-year PG grads enter at Level 6.5, competitive with IITs/IIMs. SAP boosts profiles: 40% premium in hiring per LinkedIn data.

Real-world edge: Internships yield placements; research yields publications. DU's 2025 NIRF rank #1 underscores credibility.

Future Outlook: Scaling Reforms Nationwide

DU leads NEP charge; expect UGC mandates for peers. By 2030, 50% PGs could be flexible. Students: Gear up with FYUP majors, CUET mastery. DU eyes 10+ SAP partners by 2027.

These reforms position DU as innovation hub, blending tradition with global futures.