Delhi University’s Vice Chancellor, Yogesh Singh, has announced that the university will grant undergraduate ‘honours’ degrees to students who opt for a three-year program. This decision comes in contrast to the new regulations proposed by the University Grants Commission (UGC) in a draft, which stipulate that undergraduate honours degrees will only be awarded upon completion of a four-year course. These regulations are outlined in a draft document titled ‘Curriculum and Credit Framework for Four-Year Undergraduate Programs,’ which is expected to be officially announced on Monday. These changes align with the National Education Policy (NEP).
While Delhi University introduced its new Four-Year Undergraduate Program (FYUP) starting from the academic year 2022-23, the university will adhere to its existing system, which has been approved by its academic bodies, for at least this academic session, as stated by Vice Chancellor Singh.
“We will continue to allow students to receive an honours degree after three years as well, following the regulations approved by our academic bodies in August,” Singh stated.
In February, the university’s top decision-making body, the Executive Council (EC), approved an Undergraduate Curriculum Framework-2022 (UGCF-2022) in accordance with the NEP Cell’s guidelines.
The FYUP offers various qualifications based on the number of years a student completes. It awards a certificate for one year, a diploma for two years, and provides students with the option to choose between a three or four-year honours program. The four-year course includes an additional year of research and allows students multiple entry and exit points. If students leave the program before completing three years, they can rejoin within three years of their departure and are given a maximum of seven years to complete their degree.
The FYUP curriculum, as outlined in the document, comprises major stream courses, minor stream courses, courses from other disciplines, as well as language and skill courses. Additionally, it includes courses on environmental education, understanding India, digital and technological solutions, health and wellness, yoga education, and sports and fitness.
At the end of the second semester, students have the flexibility to either continue with their chosen major or switch to a different one. They can also opt for a undergraduate degree with either a single or double major. The document specifies that to be awarded a single major 3-year/4-year undergraduate degree, a student must accumulate a minimum of 50 percent of their credits from the major discipline.
