Delhi University pushes through one-year PG courses, faculty dissent erupts over curtailed debate

The University of Delhi Academic Council on Wednesday approved the introduction of one-year postgraduate programmes across several departments, even as faculty members flagged concerns over both academic implications and the conduct of the meeting, PTI reported.

The newly approved courses will be aligned with the Postgraduate Curriculum Framework 2024 and are in line with the National Education Policy 2020, as the university’s four-year undergraduate programme nears completion. Officials indicated that the move is intended to streamline postgraduate pathways under the revised academic structure.

Credit flexibility via SWAYAM cleared, faculty flags “significant academic implications”

The council also cleared guidelines allowing students to earn up to 5 percent of their total credits through courses offered on SWAYAM and other MOOC platforms. However, the decision drew sharp criticism from a section of academics.

A dissent note signed by several faculty members warned of “significant academic implications” arising from the provision. The note also raised procedural concerns, alleging that the zero hour of the meeting, typically used by elected members to raise additional issues, was cut short.

“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, told PTI that the meeting ended abruptly when concerns were raised over 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 said.

Responding to the criticism, Registrar Vikas Gupta maintained that the proposal had been duly passed and would now be placed before the Executive Council of Delhi University for approval as reported by the PTI.

“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 gets nod 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, the initiative will allow Delhi University students to complete one semester abroad, with credits earned counting towards their degree requirements.

However, elected members expressed concern that the funding for the programme could be generated through student fees, raising questions over accessibility.

Push for research quality; departments asked to rank journals

In a move aimed at addressing challenges faced by researchers, the Vice-Chancellor directed 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 several academic programmes across faculties. Acting on recommendations of 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 including 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 each annually. 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 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 highlights continuing divisions within the university over both policy direction and institutional processes, as reported by PTI.

(With inputs from PTI)

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