Archive · 31 Jul 2026
DU Council Approves SAP, Direct PhD Entry Amid Dissent
Delhi University’s top decision makers said that students can now spend a semester studying abroad and that some students can go straight into PhD programs after their four‑year degree.
They also made changes to the university’s accounts and started new one‑year courses.
Some council members disagreed, saying the new rules might let students who aren’t ready for research into PhD programs and that the study‑abroad plan could cost too much and make the university’s own courses less valuable.
The Vice Chancellor said the university wants to be in the world’s top 200 schools in five years.
The council also approved a new insurance plan for staff and a way to protect teachers’ pay.
Overall, the meeting mixed new opportunities with concerns about quality and fairness.
Delhi University Executive Council approved a Semester Away Programme for undergraduates to study abroad for a semester.
Council amended the PhD ordinance to allow students with 7.5 CGPA and a Scopus publication to enter PhD directly after a four‑year degree.
Elected council members opposed both measures, citing academic readiness and potential devaluation of DU degrees.
The dissent noted financial burdens for students and lack of clear guidelines for supervisor changes in PhD.
The council also approved annual accounts, pay protection for teachers, one‑year postgraduate programmes, and a group insurance scheme.
- Who
- Delhi University Executive Council, including Vice Chancellor Prof Yogesh Singh and elected members Mithuraaj Dhusiya and Aman Kumar
- What
- Approved a Semester Away Programme and amended PhD ordinance for direct entry, while other administrative measures were adopted
- When
- Thursday
- Where
- Delhi University, India
- Why
- To broaden academic opportunities and improve university ranking, though concerns were raised about academic readiness and financial burden
- Institution
- Delhi University
- Decision
- Semester Away Programme approval
- Direct PhD entry
- Allowed for 4‑year UG with 7.5 CGPA and a Scopus publication
- Opposition
- Elected members dissent
- Vice Chancellor
- Prof Yogesh Singh