Delhi University Academic Council Approves Major Academic Reforms
The University of Delhi's Academic Council convened on Wednesday and gave its approval for the introduction of one-year postgraduate programs across multiple departments. This significant decision aligns with the Postgraduate Curriculum Framework 2024 and is in accordance with the National Education Policy 2020. The move comes as the university's four-year undergraduate program approaches completion, with officials stating that the objective is to streamline postgraduate pathways under the revised academic structure.
Credit Flexibility via SWAYAM Sparks Faculty Dissent
In addition to the postgraduate programs, the council cleared guidelines permitting students to earn up to 5 percent of their total credits through courses available on SWAYAM and other Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) platforms. However, this provision faced sharp criticism from a section of academics. A dissent note, signed by several faculty members, warned of "significant academic implications" stemming from this decision.
The note also raised procedural concerns, alleging that the zero hour of the meeting—typically reserved for elected members to raise additional issues—was curtailed. "The decision to proceed in a manner that curtailed debate and foreclosed meaningful engagement with dissenting views reflects a disregard for established democratic norms and collective decision making," the note stated, as cited by PTI.
Meeting Adjournment Triggers Protest; Administration Defends Decision
Monami Sinha, an elected Academic Council member, informed PTI that the meeting concluded abruptly when concerns were voiced regarding the SWAYAM and MOOC proposal. "We were dissenting and the meeting was abruptly ended. We have no clarity on what decision was finally taken," Sinha remarked.
In response to the criticism, Registrar Vikas Gupta asserted that the proposal had been duly passed and would now be presented to the Executive Council of Delhi University for final approval. "Teachers have dissented against the proposal. However, we are only suggesting introduction of 5 per cent of total credits through the courses and we should encourage students to learn from all types of portals that can contribute to their education," Gupta told PTI.
Semester Away Programme Approved Amid Fee Concerns
The Academic Council also approved a proposal to introduce a 'Semester Away Programme' in collaboration with foreign higher education institutions. According to officials, this initiative will enable Delhi University students to complete one semester abroad, with the credits earned counting towards their degree requirements.
However, elected members expressed apprehension that funding for the programme might be generated through student fees, raising questions about its accessibility and affordability for all students.
Push for Research Quality: Departments Directed to Rank Journals
In a move aimed at addressing challenges faced by researchers, the Vice-Chancellor instructed departments to compile a list of the top 20 journals in their respective fields within 30 days. "He stated that departments should establish specific criteria for these journals and assign a point system to them. Based on this evaluation, a priority list of journals is to be prepared by assigning scores accordingly," a press statement issued after the meeting said, according to PTI.
Wide Range of Academic Programmes Approved Across Disciplines
The council approved numerous academic programmes across various faculties. Acting on recommendations from its Standing Committee on Academic Matters, it cleared a two-year MA Philosophy programme under the Faculty of Arts, along with courses in Punjabi, Hindi, English, and Sanskrit.
Self-Learning Material for School of Open Learning courses was also approved in line with the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework 2022. Additionally, programmes such as the Master of Journalism and Mass Communication at the Delhi School of Journalism, MSc Mathematics, and the second-semester curriculum for MA Hindi Journalism were cleared, along with courses in Computer Science and other subjects.
Super-speciality DM courses were approved at Lady Hardinge Medical College and Maulana Azad Medical College, with two seats allocated annually at each institution. The council also cleared a proposal to rename the 'Research Council' as the 'Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Council'.
Expansion Plans for Distance Learning from 2027-28
The Academic Council approved a two-year MEd programme with an intake of 50 seats at Maharishi Valmiki College of Education. It also granted in-principle approval for several undergraduate and postgraduate programmes to be offered through distance and online modes starting from the 2027–28 academic session.
While the administration has positioned these decisions as part of ongoing academic reforms, the dissent recorded during the meeting underscores continuing divisions within the university over both policy direction and institutional processes, as reported by PTI.
