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bsCEM Student Activist Gurkirat Detained by Delhi Police on 16th July: Released Later Same Day

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Student activist Gurkirat was detained by Special Cell, Delhi Police on July 16, 2025 and released a few hours later, at 10 pm. Her custody and several other missing comrades have raised serious concerns regarding the status of student dissent in India.

Comrade Gurkirat, a Bhagat Singh Chhatra Ekta Manch (bsCEM) student activist, was detained on July 16 2025, and kept in custody by Delhi Police at New Friends Colony Police Station. She was allegedly picked up by the Special Cell, without an official reason being given.

Gurkirat is a vocal member of bsCEM, a left-wing student organization that has been involved in political demonstrations on campuses throughout Delhi. She has previously spoken out against state oppression, caste violence, and students’ rights through social media.

The initial word of Gurkirat’s detention arrived via an Instagram reel on the official bsCEM Instagram account:

Comrade Gurkirat has been taken by a special branch of Delhi police and has been kept in The New Friends Colony police station, Delhi. Comrades Gaurav and Gauraang have also been missing for a while now. We request all progressive, democratic minded individuals to come to the police station and demand Comrade Gurkirat’s immediate and unconditional release.”

A few hours later, another story on their Instagram account said that  Comrade Gurkirat was released by Delhi Police.

On July 17, bsCEM released a statement via Instagram claiming that several other activists are also missing and likely in illegal custody of the Delhi Police. The missing individuals include:

  1. Etmam Ul Haque (FACAM) Member
  2. Baadal (FACAM) Member
  3. Gauraang (bsCEM)
  4. Gaurav (bsCEM)
  5. Vallika Varshi (Nazariya Magazine)
  6. Samrat Singh (Social Activist and Psychologist)

The reel said: 

We came to know that other student Activists associated with bsCEM and FACAM members are also missing for the last one week. After knowing that comrade Samrat Singh and Gurkirat Kaur were picked up by Delhi police, now we are sure all activists are illegally arrested by Delhi police.”

News about Comrade Gaurav and Gauraang being released from the special branch police station at 7 PM and 10PM on 17th July has been shared by bsCEM.

This isn’t just about one student or one day. Over the years, student dissent in India has been increasingly treated with suspicion and hostility, no matter which government is in power. It’s part of a longer pattern where student dissent has often been met with police action. In recent years, students across India — from Jamia Millia Islamia to Jawaharlal Nehru University — have faced detentions, FIRs, and even violent crackdowns for protesting against government policies. These incidents highlight a worrying trend—where peaceful student-led actions, particularly those critical of state policies, are met with increasing surveillance, questioning, or detentions by law enforcement.


Read Also: From the Dissent Stifling Toolkit

 

Featured Image Credits: Maktoob Media

 

Juhi Bansal

juhibansal1606gmail.com

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Campus Central

The Dawn of Off-Campus Colleges

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Off-Campus colleges of Delhi University might see a new break of reform as the University plans to increase seat allocations by up to 100% in courses where the seats remain largely vacant.

The DU ecosystem has been a welcoming atmosphere for students all over India aiming for the top-ranking colleges under Delhi University. With the introduction of preference lists and NRIF rankings, the process of making informed decisions based on the course structure, the infrastructure, and peer groups has become easier for students. Broadly, students aim for the top-ranking colleges, like Miranda, SRCC, St. Stephen’s, and Hindu, to expose themselves to the best of DU culture, even if it means giving up the course of their choice.

According to The Pioneer, DU has submitted its data for the 2024-2025 admission cycle. Among all colleges, SRCC has received the highest number of first preferences at 38,795, followed by Hindu College (31,901), Hansraj College (15,902), St. Stephen’s College (12,413), and Miranda House (11,403). These numbers clearly state the persistent bias of students towards North Campus and other top-tier colleges, which often comes at the expense of off-campus colleges.

Primarily, the reason underscoring this bias is the lack of infrastructure and the location of these off-campus colleges on the outskirts of Delhi, such as Aditi Mahavidyalaya. The lack of visibility of these colleges as a part of the core DU culture has significantly downgraded these colleges to the least-preferred institutions. Students have been reported saying that they would rather take admission in a private university than be a part of the excluded DU campus, thus making a significant point on how the North Campus has been a dominating place for the students to make the best of their college life, professionally and personally.

Hence, to bridge this gap, Delhi University has employed a new strategy this year. According to Professor Haneet Gandhi, Dean of Admissions, the university will implement 100% allocation to fill seats in the off-campus colleges. The same strategy will be followed in North Campus colleges, where additional allocation will be made only in the language course where the seats remain largely vacant. Specifically, an additional allocation of 80% will be made for the Unreserved (UR) category and 100% for SC/ST and OBC categories. However, the criteria will be different for mid-range colleges, where it will be 20% for the UR category and 30% for SC/ST/OBC categories.

This reform seems to leave no choice for students but to accept the seat provided to them in the consecutive rounds of CUET admission. Hence, these students either migrate in the second year or simply give up a DU degree, which is what usually happens. More than that, it is also a hint to market these colleges in the best possible light so that they get the visibility and the required attention from authorities to improve the infrastructure and the potential upgrade of these colleges in terms of societies and atmosphere, which has been the biggest reason for the fall of these colleges in being a part of the DU circle.

The reform, however, fails to address the core problems faced by the institutions, which are the development of robust infrastructure, a dedicated faculty and a severe paucity of funds. This superficial fix, thus, does not seem to be a comprehensive, long-term solution to the problem.

Read Also: CUET and the Gender Equation: Why Fewer Women are Entering Delhi University

Image Credits: facultyadda

Kinjal Sharma
[email protected]

 

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Admission Season

CUET and the Gender Equation: Why Fewer Women are Entering Delhi University

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Female students getting admission in colleges of Delhi University

A closer look at the decline in women’s admissions to Delhi University after CUET raises concerns over equity and accessibility.

Since the introduction of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) in 2022, Delhi University, once a bastion of growing female undergraduate participation, has seen a steady decline in the number of women securing admission. A trend that had once tilted heavily in favour of women has now begun to falter, raising serious questions about equity, access, and the unintended consequences of a uniform entrance system.

Between 2019 and 2021, DU witnessed a strong and consistent female presence in its undergraduate admissions. In 2019, women comprised 60.16% of total admitted students; in 2020, the figure stood at 57.82%; and in 2021, it peaked at 61.44% — the highest in recent years. These gains were made under the previous system that relied heavily on board exam performance for admissions.

The landscape shifted dramatically in 2022 with CUET’s implementation. That year, the percentage of women admitted dropped to 50.97%, accompanied by a sharp decline in absolute numbers: from 54,818 in 2021 to just 34,120 in 2022. Though there was a slight recovery in 2023 and 2024 with 36,039 and 38,096 women admitted, respectively, the female share of admissions continues to hover around 54%, notably lower than the pre-CUET average.

This drop is not merely statistical; it reflects a deeper structural issue. Faculty members and educationists report that the CUET format has posed multiple challenges for female aspirants, particularly those from marginalised and rural backgrounds. One key concern is the digital divide. CUET is conducted as a computer-based test, and many students, especially girls in semi-urban or rural areas, lack access to adequate devices, internet connectivity, or test preparation platforms. Unlike the earlier system, which rewarded sustained school performance, CUET leans heavily on performance in a single national-level examination, often necessitating expensive coaching.

Moreover, DU officials believe that logistical constraints, such as the unavailability of safe and affordable hostels and increased travel costs, are deterring women from applying to or pursuing degrees at DU, especially when similar options exist closer to home. Several faculty members have pointed out that while boys may be encouraged to move across states for college, girls are often expected to stay local, unless DU offers strong institutional support.

This gender shift has wider implications for the university. With DU reportedly losing ₹21 crore over three years due to vacant undergraduate seats, the drop in female admissions is not just a social concern but a fiscal one too. The university has had to conduct multiple mop-up rounds to fill vacancies, delaying semester schedules and diminishing academic momentum.

As DU adapts to the CUET regime, the challenge ahead lies in ensuring that standardisation does not come at the cost of inclusion. Policymakers must ask—Is a uniform test truly equitable when the ground on which students stand is anything but level?

Read Also: The Illusion of Equality: The Hidden Gender Imbalance in DU’s Equal Paradigm 

Featured Image Credits: Hindustan Times 

Madhav Chaudhary 

[email protected]

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Campus Central

Former Delhi University Professor Meenakshi Jain Nominated to Rajya Sabha by the President

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Padma Shri historian Dr. Meenakshi Jain, former professor at Gargi College, nominated to Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu, for a six-year term starting July 21, 2025.


Dr. Meenakshi Jain, Former Professor of Gargi College, University of Delhi, is among the four individuals nominated to the Rajya Sabha by President Droupadi Murmu on 12th of July. She was serving as an associate professor at the Department of History, Gargi College

Her writings as a historian include, among many others, Ram and Ayodhya, The Battle of Rama, Medieval India, Sati-Evangelicals, Baptist Missionaries, the Changing Colonial Discourse, her most recent book, Vishvanath Rises and Rises in 2024, and the NCERT history textbook. Her work highlights alternating perspectives regarding medieval history, Indian culture and historiography coming from British times. She was conferred with the Padma Shri in 2020, the fourth highest civilian award in the field of literature and education.

“At a time when the nation is reclaiming its cultural confidence at the global stage, her presence in Parliament will ensure that policy debates are more informed’’, said Himanshu Kumar, a third year student at Hindu College recalling when she came to his annual department event. 

In response to a question about her future role in public life beyond the university as a Member of the Rajya Sabha, she stated,

I have not yet even joined so I think it inappropriate to comment on anything this soon.”

The other individuals nominated are public prosecutor Ujjwal Nikam, Indian politician C. Sadanandan Master, and former Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla. She will assume office from 21st of July, 2025 along with other members. Her tenure will  continue till July, 2031. From teaching college students to now serving the public, she has made a significant mark on history. 

Read Also: Delhi High Court Condemns Delhi University Over Treatment of Ad-Hoc Faculty; Orders Regularisation for 2 Professors

Featured Image Source: News18


Arya Chaudhary
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Campus Central

Delhi High Court Condemns Delhi University Over Treatment of Ad-Hoc Faculty; Orders Regularisation for 2 Professors

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In a recent order, the Delhi High Court bashed Delhi University’s appointment of ad-hoc faculty to substitute regular employment of professors, while ordering regularisation for 2 ad-hoc professors. 

In the past decade, the number of ad-hoc faculty appointments by Delhi University has skyrocketed, and along with that their treatment of such faculty has deteriorated significantly. On 11th July, the Delhi High Court in response to an appeal by two of Delhi University’s ad-hoc faculty, severely questioned the University for “consciously using ad-hoc appointments as a substitute for regular employment”. 

The ad-hoc professors from the Department of Germanic and Romance Studies, namely Namita Khare and Mehak Talwar, petitioned in 2022 against the University’s revised guidelines for the recruitment and shortlisting of Asst. Professors that covertly excluded long-serving ad-hoc teachers, despite them qualifying the eligibility norms under the UGC guidelines. 

Questioning Delhi University’s failure to recruit regular faculty while extending the petitioner’s tenure, the High Court bench of judges, Justice C.H, Shankar and Ajay Digpaul stated, 

The petitioners were not engaged for a finite project or stop-gap arrangement, but entrusted with core instructional and administrative responsibilities within a permanent academic framework.”

On a typical basis, Delhi University hires ad-hoc professors on quarterly contracts which are renewed with “breaks” to avoid legal obligations. However, under this system, many teachers have taught full-time for over decades without consideration for a permanent position, despite having performed the same duties as a regular employed faculty. Commenting on the same, the bench further observed, 

“The petitioners’ continued exclusion from the zone of regularisation, despite fulfilling all eligibility conditions and having rendered long and meritorious service, is violative of Articles 14 and 16 and cannot be sustained.”

As of 2022, Delhi University has over 4200 ad-hoc appointments that makes up for 40% of its total faculty strength and in the past 2 years over 2000 ad-hoc teachers have been allegedly displaced. In an interview with the Indian Express, an ad-hoc professor at Ramjas stated that he had seen no progress in career, increments or medical benefits under DU’s system of ad-hoc appointments. Regularisation for such appointments, is thus, the need of the hour to ensure equitable treatment and fair service. 

A press release by the Democratic Teachers’ Front (DTF), Delhi University welcomed the regularisation order – 

The High Court order for regularization should be used to bring much awaited relief to serving adhoc teachers and those displaced.”

Rajib Ray, the President of DTF, recommended the regularisation of the remaining ad-hoc faculty as well as previously displaced teachers whose entire service should be counted towards all stages of promotion and retirement benefits. 

The High Court’s judgment, reflects the Supreme Court’s 2024 Jaggo Judgment, which recognised the need for regularisation measures for ad-hoc appointees who have performed indispensable services for a prolonged and uninterrupted period. 

DUTA Executive Member, Prof. Rudrashish Chakraborty further stated, 

“The DU administration is guilty of exploiting the adhoc teachers during the best years of their life and then throwing them out through selection committees. This humane judgement will force the University administration to ensure the regularisation of the ad-hoc teachers in the rest of the colleges wherever interviews will be held and also to absorb those teachers who were displaced.” 

Given the current state of ad-hoc teachers at Delhi University with lack of increments, promotions or medical benefits, the HC judgement is expected to bring relief and hope for the improvement of working conditions and their shortlisting for permanent positions. Recently, the DU Vice Chancellor, Yogesh Singh has agreed to send an official representative to the University Grants Commission (UGC) as the ad-hoc faculty demands recognition of past service and provision of promotion and retirement benefits. 

Read also: DU sends UGC rep as teachers demand recognition of past service

Image Source: DNA India

Aaratrika Ghosh

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Campus Central

Missing DU Student Sneha Debnath Found Under Geeta Colony Flyover in Alleged Suicide Attempt

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New details have emerged about the case of the missing 19 year old student from Delhi University; investigation remains ongoing following the discovery of the student’s body.

Almost a week after a 19-year-old student, Sneha Debnath from Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, University of Delhi went missing, her body has been recovered following a 72-hour search by the Delhi Police under the Geeta Colony flyover in the Yamuna river on Sunday.

Debnath, originally from Sabroom in Tripura, had moved away from her family to Delhi in order to pursue higher education. She had resided in Paryavaran Complex, South Delhi, as of late and the discovery of a suicide note by her family in her college hostel points towards an alleged suicide attempt by the student. 

Sneha’s family and hostel authorities discovered a handwritten note in her room on July 13th, which seemed to indicate suicidal intent. The note, which is now under the jurisdiction of the Delhi Police for further investigation, read-

I just feel like a failure and burden, and it was getting unbearable to live like this. There is no foul play. It was my decision.” 

Eyewitness testimonies remained hazy, and Debnath’s body was eventually discovered under the Geeta Colony flyover in the Yamuna river and identified by the authorities.

The case had emerged on July 7, when Sneha had told her mother that she was going to meet a friend (Pitunia) at Sarai Rohilla Railway Station at 6:45 am to bid her goodbye for a train. Her family attempted to contact her two hours later, at 8:45 a.m., but all in vain, as her phone appeared to be switched off.

Pitunia admitted to not having met with Sneha earlier in the morning, and that Sneha had instead taken a cab to Signature Bridge, a known suicide spot where no CCTV cameras are functional – an issue that was brought up by her father in the past week, given that it hindered the search for his daughter.

 

“It is unacceptable that no CCTV cameras are working in a high-risk area like Signature Bridge. My sister was missing, and we have no leads because the only concrete form of evidence, video footage, is not available… We demand accountability from the Delhi Police and government, and immediate steps to fix this negligent failure.”
– Debnath’s family 


The cab driver in question confirmed dropping her near the bridge, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) joined forces with the Delhi Police to conduct an extensive search across a 7-kilometre radius from Noida to Nigam Bodh Ghat. 

Sneha’s family, including her ailing father, a retired Army Subedar Major undergoing dialysis, had earlier expressed anguish over the delayed FIR, filed more than 48 hours after she was reported missing. He had taken to making emotional appeals on social media through posts that were popularised largely by students of Delhi University, eventually drawing the attention of Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha, who instructed state police to coordinate with Delhi authorities and assist in the search. The Tripura CMO had earlier posted online:

I express my grief over her death, and my sympathy is with the bereaved family. I ask the authority of Tripura Bhavan, New Delhi, to render all possible help to the family.”

Image Credits: ANI

Aastha Singh

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Campus Central

Delhi University’s 1900 crore Infrastructural Push: Solar Installations, Surveillance System and New Co-Ed College

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Key proposals for Delhi University’s biggest infrastructural development are currently underway with over 1900 crores dedicated to projects that include a new co-ed college, installation of solar plants and a university-wide surveillance machinery.

 

Delhi University is currently moving towards one of its biggest infrastructural pushes in many years, with an allocation of over 1900 crores for projects that are approved or already in process. The major developments are noted to be the creation of a new college at Fatehpur Behri, an IP-based system of surveillance and the installation of solar-powered panels. 

According to the Times of India, these proposals have already been cleared by the finance and building committee. However, they are yet to be finally approved by the executive council, which has slated a meeting on 12th July. 

In June, Delhi University Vice Chancellor, Yogesh Singh confirmed the creation of a new college in Fatehpur Behri with modern 21st-century courses. Delineating the University’s plans, he stated, 

We intend to open a college there by next year. Gram Panchayat has already allotted us the land. However, the college may not be exclusively for girls.

 

According to reports, 272 crores have been allocated as funding for the new college that is yet to be named. Further elaborating on the educational initiatives under the University, Singh added that a project titled, Veer Savarkar College is currently underway with an estimated timeline of 2026. 

Additionally, a 9.2 crore funding for an Internet Protocol-based surveillance system has been sanctioned to improve safety across Delhi University’s North and South campus colleges. In the light of defunct CCTV cameras across Delhi, this initiative is expected to tackle concerns of security in and around these college grounds. 

Infrastructurally, the University is currently in the process of installing solar-powered systems through the Renewable Energy Service Company (RESCO) alongside a 200-crore working women’s and girls’ hostel at the Dhaka Complex. Serious construction failures, such as salty water and poor concrete cover at the girls’ hostel, along with drainage upgrades at the Sports Complex and Tutorial Block, are expected to follow through. A proposal indicates the construction of a stainless-steel stormwater system to structurally stabilise Delhi University’s Rugby Sevens Sports Complex. 

Ongoing projects under the 1900-crore funding include renovations at the Faculty of Management Studies, new classrooms and faculty rooms for the Department of Commerce, refurbishment of the convocation hall and redevelopment of the vice-regal lodge. An in-principle approval has also been granted for a new cultural activity centre near Shri Shankar Lal Hall.

Under the Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA), Delhi University has successfully secured funding of 195.6 crore for the creation of a Faculty of Technology building and 120 crores for an academic complex at Surajmal Vihar. 

Given the extent of infrastructural development planned and targeted by the University, a top-level project monitoring committee is expected to be formed under Prof. Balaram Pani, Dean of Colleges. However, the extent of development upon the already approved projects is under question, with a reported physical progress of less than 10%, as reported by the Times of India.

Read also: Delhi University Faces Backlash for Linguistic Misrepresentation in CSAS UG Admission Form

Image Credits: Devesh for DU Beat 

Aaratrika Ghosh

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DUB News

DU Fee Hike Exceeds 20% Violating the Annual Fee Hike Policy of 10%

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Delhi University’s 2025–26 fee hike exceeds the 10 per cent cap, with charges like the Development Fund and EWS Welfare Fund rising up to 200per cent. Students and faculty voice concerns over steep hikes and lack of infrastructural improvements or transparency.

 

The University of Delhi has revised its fees for the 2025-2026 academic session. Despite its annual policy on fee hikes stating that fee revisions cannot exceed 10 per cent, this year’s fee hike was more than double what was stated in the policy.

This decision has come in light of similar fee hikes that have occurred from 2022 onwards in courses provided by Delhi University.

The University Development Fund has grown by around 67 per cent, highlighting a steady upward trend in student fees. Alongside this, the University Facilities and Services Charges have surged upwards as well by an intense 200 per cent, and the EWS (Economically Weaker Section) Welfare Fund has increased by 150 per cent, a move that was approved by the vice chancellor using emergency superpowers through a notification on 3rd April.

From Rs 900 in 2022 to Rs 1,000 in 2023, Rs 1,200 in 2024, and Rs 1,500 in 2025, the University Development Fund has increased in size. From Rs 500 in 2022 to Rs 1,000 in 2023, Rs 1,250 in 2024, and Rs 1,500 this year, the facilities charges also went up. The Welfare Fund started off at Rs 100 in 2022 and has since increased to Rs 150 in 2023, Rs 200 in 2024, and Rs 250 today.

The University Development Fund increased by 25per cent this year, from Rs 1,200 to Rs 1,500. A 20 per cent increase was made to the university’s facilities and services charges, which went from Rs 1,250 to Rs 1,500. In the meantime, the EWS Welfare Fund saw a 25 per cent boost in just one year, going from Rs 200 to Rs 250.

The cost of the BEd and MEd programs is Rs 8,931 and Rs 9,046, respectively. The cost of law courses such as LLB and LLM is Rs 8,087. Technical courses like MCA and MSc Computer Science are more expensive, costing Rs 23,007 and Rs 22,887, respectively.

Students studying commerce will pay Rs 16,900, while those pursuing an MA in social work will come in at Rs 21,901.

Standard fees for students of undergraduate and postgraduate programs differ depending on the choice of stream and course, ranging from Rs. 8,000 to Rs. 20,000. PhD candidates would pay a fee of Rs. 8,087, while MBA programs vary—IB and HRD streams cost Rs. 52,279, while a full-time MBA costs Rs. 60,818.

The consistent fee hike has sparked concerns amongst students and faculty of Delhi University alike, with Prof. Pankaj Garg, chairman of the Indian National Teachers’ Congress (INTEC), stating,


Students are being charged hefty fees by the university under the guise of the University Development Fund and University Facilities and Services Charges. The university, however, does not create any infrastructural facilities for the college; in government universities, this practice should not be permitted. Colleges should be allowed to retain the funds.”

As of April 12, there has been no response from Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh on the revision of the fee hike schedule.

 

Read Also: 72 Hours and Still No Trace: The Disappearance of Sneha Debnath Demands Urgent Action

 

Image Credits: Hindustan Times

Aastha Singh

[email protected]

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DUB News

72 Hours and Still No Trace: The Disappearance of Sneha Debnath Demands Urgent Action

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19-year-old DU student Sneha Debnath has been missing since July 7 near Signature Bridge. With no leads, non-functional CCTVs, and minimal media attention, her disappearance has raised questions about public safety, surveillance, and institutional accountability in Delhi.

Sneha Debnath, a 19-year-old BSc Mathematics student at Atma Ram Sanatan Dharma College, University of Delhi, has been missing since the early hours of July 7. According to her family, Sneha left from Sarai Rohilla and was last known to have taken a cab, reportedly being dropped off near Signature Bridge at approximately 8:30 am. Her final communication was around 8:45 am, after which her phone has remained switched off. As of now, there has been no trace of her.

An FIR has been filed, and police claim that an investigation is underway, but over 72 hours later, no leads have surfaced. What is particularly alarming, family members say, is the alleged failure of basic surveillance infrastructure in the area. CCTV cameras around Signature Bridge, identified in previous reports as a location vulnerable to suicides and disappearances, were reportedly non-functional at the time. The lack of visual evidence has severely impeded the investigation, raising pressing concerns about public safety and the accountability of civic authorities.

Sneha’s family, friends, and college peers are now grappling with a mounting sense of helplessness. Her mother, in a widely circulated video, is seen breaking down, pleading for her daughter’s return. Repeated appeals for urgent intervention have, so far, failed to generate any significant response from either law enforcement or political leadership. Signature Bridge, the site of Sneha’s last known location, has been the subject of public concern before. Despite multiple incidents in the past, calls for improved surveillance, functional CCTV cameras, and regular patrolling have reportedly gone unheeded. The current case, many believe, is a direct consequence of this neglect. In a city that routinely promises technological advancement and public safety, the failure of the most basic protective measures is a sobering indictment.

What has further intensified the distress is the near-complete absence of media coverage. A student from one of India’s most reputed public universities disappearing in broad daylight, without triggering national or even city-wide concern, speaks to a larger issue of whose stories are amplified and whose are quietly erased.

The case of Sneha Debnath cannot be seen in isolation. It is part of a wider, troubling landscape in which women’s safety continues to be precarious, and institutional responses remain reactive rather than preventative. For students, parents, and citizens at large, it is a stark reminder that vulnerability persists despite promises of protection. Sneha’s friends and family continue to urge anyone with information to come forward. But beyond individual appeals, this moment demands structural accountability. For Sneha’s sake, and for the many others who never make headlines, it is time the silence is broken, not just in words, but in action.

Read Also: NEP Approves Research Supervision for NEP-UGCF Amidst Concerns on Implementation

Image Credits: Sneha Debnath Family Statement

Ritobrita Mukherjee

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Campus Central

NEP Approves Research Supervision for NEP-UGCF Amidst Concerns on Implementation

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Despite the Academic Council’s approval of the policy of research and supervision in regards to NEP-UGCF’s fourth year policy in DU colleges, many concerns have been raised in regards to its implementation.

As of July 5, 2025; the policy of research supervision for the fourth year of NEP-UGCF has been approved by the Academic Council amidst dissent by several elected members. According to Rudrashish Chakraborty, who is Associate Professor at the Department of English in Kirori Mal College, as well as an executive of DUTA (Delhi University Teachers’ Association) from 2023 to 2025, the poor devising of the policy is owed to multiple reasons; the first of which include the lack of infrastructure in the form of space and laboratories in colleges to conduct quality research at the undergraduate level to research supervision not being accounted for as workload for teachers, excessively burdening teachers who are already inundated with work.

Aside from these issues, the division of workload has also been a contentious topic, with the policy deciding on a stipulation of a minimum of ten students to be allotted to a teacher for research supervision. This ratio is not only too high and would therefore jeopardize the quality of research, but also make coordination difficult as it is not possible for any teacher to do justice to the research work of so many students after engaging in their own workload.

In addition to this, no funds have been allocated for research work in the fourth year of UGCF, which leaves colleges to fend for themselves. Colleges in the Delhi University circuit are being advised to mobilise funds through the Students’ Fund, which may prove to be insufficient in the long run.In terms of research, the students are to study four courses alongside writing a dissertation, which not only takes the focus away from the conduction of research, but will also lead to a reduction of quality leading to research becoming a compulsion instead of being an original, worthwhile contribution to Indian academic spaces.

One of the guidelines for research supervision expects students pursuing the fourth year to publish in a scopus-indexed journal as research outcome. Given that even teachers would find it difficult to pursue such interests within the stipulated time while balancing full-fledged studying, this unrealistic clause will discourage students from pursuing the fourth year.

Anumeha Mishra, a member of the Academic Council, has stated,



The university must refrain from applying a one-size-fits-all size model in approving projects eligible for research funding under IoE. Discipline-specific parameters must be evolved.”

In 2019, Delhi University’s colleges saw a 25% increase in student intake due to the EWS expansion. An additional surge in admissions by 20% occurred following the implementation of the Common University Entrance Test (CUET) from 2022 onwards. This move, having been undertaken along with the fourth year, comes in light of accusations of mismanagement and lack of infrastructural accommodation for the rising number of student intake every year. The absence of laboratories, reading rooms, and teacher workspaces severely undermine the programme’s feasibility. The implementation, thus, appears rushed and in the absence of structural and financial support, risks diluting the quality of education and pushing the system toward collapse. 

Dr. Monami Sinha, also a member of the academic council, points out how undergraduate students currently studying seven courses per semester, including SEC and VAC, dilute the study of core subjects and awarding of credits per subject.

Read Also: Delhi University Faces Backlash for Linguistic Misrepresentation in CSAS UG Admission Form.

Image Credits: Hindustan Times

Aastha Singh

[email protected]

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