The University of Delhi has unveiled an academic reform that enables eligible students who complete a four-year undergraduate programme to advance directly into PhD courses without the prerequisite of a master’s degree. This initiative is set to benefit the inaugural group of students completing the university’s Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) in 2026, and is specifically applicable to the 2026-27 academic session.

Under the newly approved regulations, students who obtain a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 7.5 by the end of their fourth year will be eligible to apply for PhD programmes. For students belonging to Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, the threshold is slightly lower at a CGPA of 7.

The changes are formally documented within the university’s ordinances and have received the necessary endorsements from both the Academic Council and the Executive Council.

Insight on DU’s First FYUP Cohort

The Four-Year Undergraduate Programme was launched by Delhi University in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020 and began for the 2022-23 academic session. The first batch saw an enrolment of 75,948 students. However, not all students have opted to remain for the entirety of the four years, as evidenced by the university’s data.

In 2025, 40,005 students completed their studies after three years, while 35,943 chose to transition into the fourth year. Among those continuing their education in the fourth year, 12,111 students applied for the one-year postgraduate programmes for the academic year 2026-27, accounting for approximately 34.27 per cent of that cohort.

This dropout statistic highlights the ongoing transition and adjustments within the newly implemented curriculum, as students navigate their educational pathways amidst changing academic structures.

Significance of the Fourth Year in Education

The University of Delhi emphasises the significance of the fourth year as an integral component of undergraduate education, aimed at enhancing research and entrepreneurship skills. The design of this additional year intends to align Indian undergraduate degrees with international academic standards.

Students embarking on academic projects during their fourth year will have the opportunity to tackle real-world issues and devise viable solutions, thereby fostering critical thinking and practical application of their learning. This approach is intended to enrich their educational experience while preparing them for advanced studies or professional opportunities.

Furthermore, the provision for direct admission into PhD programmes offers an alternative trajectory for students completing the FYUP, obviating the necessity for a master’s degree as an intermediary step. For the 2026-27 session, fourth-year students achieving the requisite CGPA can thus directly pursue their doctoral aspirations without further educational hurdles.

The university has specified that this route for direct PhD admission is currently designated as a special measure for the upcoming academic year, indicating a potential adaptation or review in future admissions processes based on the outcomes of this initiative.

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