Delhi University approves semester abroad plan, new PhD entry route

Delhi University approved the Semester Away Programme with foreign universities and direct UG-to-PhD admissions. The decisions faced opposition from teachers over concerns about degree dilution, affordability, and students' academic preparedness for doctoral research.Delhi University approves foreign semester programme, allows direct UG-to-PhD admissions (representative image)The Delhi University (DU) Executive Council on Thursday approved the introduction of a Semester Away Programme (SAP) that will allow undergraduate students to spend a semester at foreign higher education institutions. The council also cleared amendments enabling students completing a four-year undergraduate programme to directly pursue PhD studies.The decisions were taken during the Executive Council meeting chaired by DU Vice-Chancellor Prof Yogesh Singh. However, elected members raised objections to both proposals, expressing concerns over the possible dilution of DU degrees, academic preparedness of students entering doctoral programmes directly after graduation, and the financial burden on students.UNIVERSITY APPROVES SEMESTER AWAY PROGRAMMEThe Semester Away Programme has been proposed under the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF)-2022 and was previously discussed by the university’s Academic Council.Under the programme, undergraduate students will get an opportunity to spend a semester at partner foreign universities while earning academic credits that can be transferred towards their DU degree. However, elected Executive Council members Mithuraaj Dhusiya and Aman Kumar of the Indian National Teachers’ Congress (INTEC) submitted a dissent note, questioning the academic and financial implications of the initiative.The members argued that the differences between the earlier and revised versions of the SAP proposal were not clearly highlighted and the reasons behind the changes were not explained. They compared the programme with earlier “twinning programmes” and said such arrangements could lead to the “devaluing” of DU’s existing degree courses.TEACHERS RAISE CONCERNS OVER COST AND ACCESSIBILITYThe dissenting members raised concerns that students participating in the SAP would have to pay fees charged by the foreign host institution in addition to regular DU fees.They argued that expenses related to tuition fees, travel and living costs could make the programme accessible only to a limited section of students, potentially increasing inequality in higher education.The members said the programme could encourage students to “buy credits from foreign campuses” and contribute to further privatisation of higher education.However, the approved proposal includes provisions allowing students to apply for external scholarships and mobility grants. It also states that financial assistance from DU or its colleges may be provided on a need-cum-merit basis, depending on the availability of funds.FOUR-YEAR UG STUDENTS TO GET DIRECT PhD ADMISSIONThe Executive Council also approved amendments to Ordinance VI governing PhD admissions, allowing students completing four-year undergraduate programmes to directly enter doctoral programmes.According to the revised provisions, students with a minimum 7.5 CGPA in their four-year UG programme and at least one Scopus-indexed publication will be eligible for direct PhD admission.The move aligns with provisions under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which introduced a four-year undergraduate structure with multiple academic pathways.EC MEMBERS QUESTION ACADEMIC PREPAREDNESS FOR PhD ROUTEThe direct UG-to-PhD pathway was opposed by elected members, who argued that students may not have adequate academic maturity or research exposure required for doctoral studies.In their dissent note, Dhusiya and Kumar said that a PhD requires specialised research in a specific area and identifying a viable research topic generally requires advanced disciplinary understanding.They also raised concerns over the absence of an entrance examination or interview before the Departmental Research Committee for students entering PhD programmes through this route.The members argued that without proper evaluation, there may be no effective mechanism to assess whether a student’s proposed research is academically feasible.They also questioned the lack of clarity on issues such as changing supervisors during the PhD programme and ensuring timely completion of doctoral research.PAY PROTECTION APPROVED FOR ELIGIBLE TEACHERSThe council approved recommendations related to pay protection for teachers who had earlier worked on ad hoc or temporary positions and were later appointed permanently through due process.Under the approved provisions, teachers appointed through open recruitment and properly constituted selection committees at DU or other similarly funded institutions before their permanent appointment will be eligible for pay protection.The recommendations will apply to appointments made on or after April 1, 2022.The EC also approved a voluntary group insurance scheme providing 20 lakh coverage to the dependents of DU employees, including contractual staff.Employees opting for the scheme will have to pay a monthly premium of 500 plus GST.(With PTI inputs)- EndsPublished By: Karan YadavPublished On: Jul 31, 2026 13:40 IST