Delhi University (DU) has launched a four-year undergraduate (UG) program aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This significant reform aims to revolutionize higher education, focusing on enhanced student opportunities and employability. All 64 affiliated colleges express confidence in their readiness for this transformation.
Program Framework and Benefits
The new program, under the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF) 2022, introduces several key features:
- Students can earn a certificate after one year, a diploma after two years, a degree after three years, or an honours/research degree after four years. This flexibility also allows for re-entry into the program.
- The curriculum promotes exploration beyond core disciplines, encouraging a broader understanding.
- The fourth year specifically focuses on research, allowing students to pursue dissertations, academic projects, or entrepreneurial ideas. This can lead to direct PhD admissions, saving time and costs compared to international education pathways.
- The program aims to equip students with skills relevant to the job market, improving career prospects.
DU Four-Year UG Program Preparedness and Support
Dean Bharat Rampani and college principals confirm extensive preparations:
- Colleges like Delhi College of Arts & Commerce, Ramanujan College, and PGDAV College Evening have improved facilities, including laboratories, libraries, and even new portable cabins.
- Science and mathematics teachers received multi-skilling training to prepare them for guiding students. Additional guest faculty have been appointed where needed.
- Ramanujan College reported that over 70% of students showed interest in continuing to the fourth year, driven by perceived job and career benefits.
- The university administration has actively collaborated with colleges to ensure seamless integration and address potential challenges.
This four-year program, a reintroduction after a previous attempt in 2013, aligns with NEP 2020‘s vision for a holistic and flexible education system. This collective readiness among Delhi University colleges signals a promising future for higher education reform in India, potentially setting a new standard for other institutions.
