Archive · 21 Aug 2026
DU Allows Direct PhD Entry for Four-Year Graduates
Delhi University has created a special way for some students to go from a four-year bachelor’s degree straight into a PhD.
This applies to the first group of students finishing the university’s four-year program in 2026.
Most students need a CGPA of at least 7.5, while SC/ST students need at least 7.0.
They can use this option during the 2026–27 academic year.
They do not have to complete a master’s degree first under this pathway.
The university changed its rules after approval by its Academic Council and Executive Council.
Students can still choose one-year or two-year postgraduate programs instead.
The four-year course includes research, internships, skills training, entrepreneurship, and community work.
Delhi University will allow eligible four-year undergraduate graduates to apply directly for PhD programs in 2026–27.
Applicants need at least a 7.5 CGPA, or 7.0 for SC/ST candidates.
The route is a special measure for the first FYUP batch completing its degree in 2026.
Of 75,948 students admitted in 2022–23, 35,943 continued into the fourth year and 40,005 exited after three years.
DU offered one-year postgraduate programs in 46 disciplines, with 5,857 seats; 12,111 fourth-year students applied.
- Who
- Eligible University of Delhi students completing the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme in 2026, including SC/ST applicants meeting the 7.0 CGPA threshold.
- What
- The University of Delhi opened a direct PhD application route for qualifying four-year undergraduate graduates without requiring a master’s degree first.
- When
- For the 2026–27 academic session; the announcement was issued on August 21, 2026.
- Where
- At the University of Delhi in Delhi.
- Why
- To provide a special progression route for the first FYUP graduating batch and align undergraduate-to-research progression with national higher-education reforms.
- Direct-entry threshold
- 7.5 CGPA for most applicants and 7.0 CGPA for SC/ST candidates
- Duration of measure
- The direct PhD route applies only to the 2026–27 academic session
- FYUP enrollment
- 75,948 students entered the program in 2022–23
- Fourth-year participation
- 35,943 students continued into the optional fourth year, while 40,005 left after three years
- Postgraduate applications
- 12,111 fourth-year students applied for DU’s one-year postgraduate programs
- Postgraduate provision
- One-year programs were offered in 46 disciplines with 5,857 reported seats
- Rule change
- Ordinance VI was amended after approval by the Academic Council and Executive Council
- Earlier proposal
- An Academic Council proposal had discussed lower CGPA thresholds and a research-publication requirement, while the final 2026–27 threshold was set at 7.5 or 7.0 for SC/ST students
