DU: Good News for Students—One-Year Postgraduate Courses and 'Semester Away Program' Approved at DU..

DU: According to officials, the Academic Council has approved one-year postgraduate courses in several disciplines, based on the Postgraduate Course Framework (PGCF 2024) formulated under the National Education Policy 2020. This decision was also prompted by the fact that the university's four-year undergraduate program is now entering its fourth year.

Additionally, the Council has authorized students to pursue studies through SWAYAM and other online platforms (MOOCs). Students will now be able to earn up to 5 percent of their total prescribed credits through these platforms.

Several faculty members objected to this decision, writing a letter stating that it could have significant repercussions on academic standards. A proposal to launch a ‘Semester Away Program’ in collaboration with foreign universities was also tabled and subsequently passed, despite facing opposition. The note further highlighted that the "Zero Hour"—a session where members raise their specific issues—was abruptly curtailed during the meeting.

**Allegations of Limiting Debate During the Meeting**
The note stated: "The decision to conduct the meeting in a manner that curtails debate and stifles meaningful discussion on dissenting views reflects a disregard for established democratic norms and the process of collective decision-making."

Elected Executive Council member Monami Sinha noted that when the issue regarding SWAYAM and MOOCs was raised, the Vice-Chancellor abruptly adjourned the meeting.

"We were voicing our dissent, and the meeting was suddenly brought to an end. We have no information regarding what decisions were ultimately taken," Sinha said.

However, Delhi University Registrar Vikas Gupta told PTI that the agenda item concerning the introduction of SWAYAM and MOOCs has been passed by the Academic Council and is now awaiting ratification by the Executive Council (EC).
**Questions Raised Regarding Funding and Research**
Gupta stated: "Faculty members have opposed this proposal. However, we are merely proposing to allow up to 5 percent of the total credits to be earned through such courses; we believe we should encourage students to utilize all types of portals and resources that can contribute to their education." Regarding the SAP, Gupta stated that this collaboration would enable a student from the University of Delhi to complete a semester at a Foreign Higher Education Institution (FHEI).

He further added that the credits earned by a student at an FHEI would be counted towards fulfilling the requirements for the conferral of their diploma or degree.

However, elected members expressed concern that the funding for the program would be raised through fees.

According to a press release issued after the meeting, the Vice-Chancellor has called upon all departments to compile a list of the top 20 journals in their respective fields and submit it within 30 days, to address the difficulties faced by researchers in getting their papers published.

**Courses Implemented Across Various Disciplines**
The statement noted: "He stated that departments should establish specific criteria for these journals and assign them a point system. Based on this evaluation, a priority list of journals should be prepared according to their assigned points."

Acting upon the recommendations of the Academic Council's Standing Committee on Academic Affairs, the Council approved a two-year postgraduate program in Philosophy—including semester-wise courses—under the Faculty of Arts.

Courses in various disciplines, such as Punjabi, Hindi, English, and Sanskrit, were also approved.

The AC approved the Self-Learning Material (SLM) for courses offered by the School of Open Learning (SOL/COL), in alignment with the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF) 2022.

Additionally, several programs—including the second-semester curriculum for the Master of Journalism and Mass Communication at the Delhi School of Journalism, the M.Sc. in Mathematics (both one-year and two-year formats), and the M.A. in Hindi Journalism—were approved, alongside courses in Computer Science and other disciplines.

**New Medical Courses and Renaming of Research Council**
The Council approved the introduction of super-specialty courses such as the DM in Pediatric Nephrology at Lady Hardinge Medical College and the DM in Medical Genetics at Maulana Azad Medical College, with each program offering two seats annually. Furthermore, the Council also approved the proposal to rename the 'Research Council' as the 'Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Council'.

According to a statement by the University of Delhi, a two-year M.Ed. program with an intake capacity of 50 seats was approved for the Maharishi Valmiki College of Education.

The Council granted in-principle approval for several undergraduate and postgraduate programs to be offered through the University of Delhi's distance and online education platforms, commencing from the 2027-28 academic session.
 

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