Delhi University has approved a new suite of one-year postgraduate programmes during the 1026th meeting of its Academic Council, chaired by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Yogesh Singh. This decision aligns with the new educational reforms introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, specifically catering to students who have completed the four-year undergraduate programme.

The one-year courses will be available in various disciplines, including but not limited to Philosophy, Hindi, English, Punjabi, Sanskrit, Mathematics, and Computer Science. Additionally, programmes in journalism and mass communication, such as the Master of Journalism and Mass Communication, will also be offered under the Faculty of Social Sciences, thereby expanding academic options for graduates.

Formalisation of Research Publication Standards

In a bid to improve research output, the Academic Council addressed faculty concerns regarding the challenges posed by the limited availability of Scopus-indexed journals. Faculty members from Social Sciences and language departments had raised these issues, highlighting difficulties in meeting research publication requirements.

In response, Prof. Singh instructed all departments to compile a list of their top 20 journals within a month. Each department is to establish evaluation criteria, assign scores, and submit a ranked list. This initiative seeks to create standardised benchmarks for research quality across the university’s various disciplines.

Furthermore, the restructuring aims to enhance the overall research environment, ensuring that faculty have access to necessary resources and support to achieve high publication standards and foster an academic culture focused on research excellence.

Approvals for Medical and Educational Programmes

The meeting also sanctioned several specialised medical programmes. Lady Hardinge Medical College has been cleared to introduce a DM course in Paediatric Nephrology, while Maulana Azad Medical College has received approval for a DM in Medical Genetics. Each of these courses will accommodate two students annually, contributing to the advancement of super-speciality education in affiliated medical institutions.

Additionally, Maharishi Valmiki College of Education has been authorised to launch a two-year Master of Education (M.Ed.) programme, with an intake of 50 seats for the academic session 2026–27. This approval is contingent upon meeting faculty recruitment criteria and renewing accreditation on schedule.

To further reflect an evolving educational landscape, the Research Council will be renamed the Research, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship Council. This change emphasises the university’s commitment to linking research with practical applications, thereby broadening the scope of academic inquiry beyond traditional outputs.

Expansion of Online and Foreign Language Programmes

The Academic Council has also given preliminary approval for new programmes to be offered through the School of Open Learning and the Centre for Open Learning starting in the 2027–28 academic year. These programmes will encompass offline, Open Distance Learning (ODL), and online modalities, with the Vice-Chancellor stressing that they will only be initiated once adequate academic and infrastructural preparations are in place.

Proposed offerings include undergraduate and postgraduate courses in English, Commerce, Computer Science, and Multimedia, along with an MBA programme. Additionally, certificate and diploma courses in various European and Asian languages are to be incorporated, catering to a diverse student population.

Lastly, the council discussed the Semester Away Programme, which allows students to undertake one semester at a foreign institution while ensuring that credits earned will contribute towards their degree at Delhi University, provided there is no clash with existing coursework. This initiative aims to enhance academic flexibility and broaden students’ educational experiences in a more global context.

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