Delhi University Approves One-Year PG Programs and Semester Away Initiative

New Delhi: The Academic Council of Delhi University has approved one-year postgraduate programs across various departments during its recent meeting.

This decision aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 and is part of the ongoing adaptation of the university's curriculum as it approaches the completion of its four-year undergraduate program.

In addition, the council approved guidelines that allow students to earn up to 5% of their total credits through courses available on SWAYAM and other MOOC platforms.

However, a note of dissent from several academics raised concerns about the potential academic implications of this clause.

The council also authorized the launch of a 'Semester Away Program' in collaboration with foreign institutions, despite some dissenting opinions.

Concerns were expressed regarding the abrupt end of discussions during the meeting, which limited engagement with opposing views.

Monami Sinha, an elected AC member, highlighted that the meeting was adjourned abruptly when the SWAYAM and MOOC issue was raised, leaving members unclear about the outcomes.

DU registrar Vikas Gupta confirmed that the agenda regarding SWAYAM and MOOC had been passed and is awaiting approval from the Executive Council.

Gupta emphasized that the initiative aims to encourage diverse learning opportunities for students, even as faculty members voiced their dissent.

Regarding the Semester Away Program, collaboration with foreign institutions will allow students to complete one semester abroad, with credits earned counting towards their degree requirements.

However, elected members expressed concerns that funding for the program might rely on student fees.

Additionally, the VC has requested departments to compile a list of top journals in their fields to aid researchers in publishing.

The council also approved various programs, including a two-year MA Philosophy under the Faculty of Arts and courses in disciplines such as Punjabi, Hindi, English, and Sanskrit.

Approvals extended to self-learning materials for School of Open Learning courses and specialized programs like the Master of Journalism and Mass Communication.

The introduction of super-specialty courses at medical colleges and a two-year MEd program at Maharishi Valmiki College of Education was also sanctioned.

The council granted preliminary approval for several programs to be offered through DU’s distance and online education platforms starting in the 2027-28 academic session.