Delhi University (DU) will promote approximately 11,000 postgraduate students to their second year. This decision applies to all students enrolled in the 2024-25 cohort across over 80 PG courses. The promotion includes those who failed, missed, or did not appear for their first-year examinations. This measure precedes DU’s shift to a new academic framework aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) .
The university termed this action a “one-time relaxation.” It aims to prevent students from facing an incompatible academic structure. The new Postgraduate Curriculum Framework-2 ( PGCF-2 ) will launch in the 2025-26 academic year. This change scraps DU’s old curriculum pattern.
New Academic Framework
The 2024-25 batch represents the final cohort under DU’s outgoing academic system. This system includes the choice-based credit system and the learning outcome–based curriculum framework. These current systems will be entirely replaced once PGCF-2 is introduced.
DU explained the necessity of this promotion. Retaining the 2024-25 students in their first year would leave them in an unworkable situation. They would follow a curriculum that would no longer exist. There would be no feasible way for them to complete their studies under the discontinued framework. The promotion ensures these students can continue their education without disruption.
Details of Relaxation
Under this special relaxation, specific student groups will advance:
- Students who did not submit their examination forms after the first semester.
- Students who failed either the first or second semester examinations.
- Students who were unable to pursue their studies for any reason during the first year.
All these students will now progress directly to the third semester. They will be treated as regular students, ensuring their academic continuity.
Ensuring Continuity and Flexibility
Delhi University also offers academic flexibility for these promoted students. They will be permitted to complete their pending semester 1 and 2 exams. These can be taken concurrently with their semester 3 and 4 examinations. DU officials confirmed this flexibility is vital due to the ongoing structural overhaul within the university.
The university emphasizes that without this measure, students repeating the first year would face significant challenges. Their existing curriculum and studied papers would not align with the new framework. This would create a mismatch in their academic journey. The promotion avoids this potential confusion and ensures students remain in sync with the updated educational path.
Importantly, the span period remains unchanged. This is the maximum allowed time to complete a degree. Students must still finish their postgraduate studies within the established timeframe despite the promotion and flexibility. This maintains academic standards while accommodating the transition.
Immediate Implementation
Instructions for immediate implementation have been issued. All colleges, departmental heads, and the controller of examinations received a circular. They are required to put this decision into effect without delay. This ensures that the 11,000 affected students can proceed with their second year studies promptly.
This proactive step by Delhi University addresses the complexities of major educational reforms. It aims to protect the academic interests of its postgraduate students during a significant institutional change. The university seeks to transition smoothly to the NEP-aligned curriculum. This ensures a clear and consistent educational path for all its students moving forward.