Delhi University introduces direct doctoral paths for the inaugural four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP) batch, 2026-27.
The University of Delhi has altered higher education pathways for its inaugural four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP) batch. According to a recent press release from the university, four-year graduates can now bypass a master’s degree altogether and apply directly for Ph.D. admissions for the 2026-27 academic session.
According to the press release issued on August 21, 2026, 75,948 students enrolled in the inaugural FYUP batch (2022-23) under the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF). Of the enrolled students, 40,005 opted to exit after their 3rd year, whereas 35,943 opted to continue into the optional 4th year to focus on research and internships.
In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 guidelines, the University of Delhi has updated its academic progression structure. With approval from the Academic Council and the Executive Council, Ordinance VI has been amended to establish a direct doctoral pathway for students after their undergraduate studies.
Through this, graduates of the four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP) batch can apply directly for their Ph.D degrees, bypassing the requirement for a master’s degree. For students to qualify for this path, they must achieve a minimum cumulative grade of 7.5 CGPA, while students belonging to the SC/ST category need to achieve 7.0 CGPA.
In conversation with TOI, DU Registrar Vikas Gupta said that the eligible students will still have to take an entrance examination, with the dates to be announced later. However, they will not be required to appear for an interview.
Gupta also added that this decision is restricted to the first FYUP batch because of the difficulties encountered during the rollout of the new undergraduate structure. “This will not be applicable for upcoming batches. The modalities will be decided later if the same has to be rolled out for other batches later,” he said.
Alongside the policy shifts, the university has also embedded application-based learning in the fourth year curriculum, requiring students to engage in hands-on learning through mandatory internships, skill-enhancement courses and real-time problem-solving projects. This curriculum shift aims to tackle real-world studies and research diversely and engagingly.
To support this, 25 DU colleges have established dedicated skill development centres backed by university funding to provide students with proper infrastructure. Additionally, student-led innovation and entrepreneurial ventures are actively fostered through the Udhmodya Foundation to provide students with meaningful industry exposure and advanced research skills.
This is introduced to bring research and entrepreneurship into undergraduate education to align Indian degrees with global standards and produce academically rigorous graduates.
Image Source: ANI on X
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Vanshika U Singh
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