Delhi University allows direct PhD entry for first FYUP batch

Delhi University has announced that students from the first batch of its Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) who have a CGPA of 7.5 or above (7.0 for SC/ST) can apply directly for PhD programmes for the 2026-27 academic session. The university said the FYUP was introduced under the National Education Policy 2020 and that its ordinances have been amended to allow this pathway.

Hindustan Times reports that 75,948 students enrolled in FYUP in 2022-23. Of these, 40,005 exited after three years, while 35,943 continued into the fourth year. Of those, 12,111 applied for one-year PG programmes. The Times of India adds that DU Registrar Vikas Gupta said eligible students will have to sit for an entrance test but no interview. The measure is a one-time relaxation for the first batch due to teething issues, and will not apply to later batches.

The Times of India also notes that some executive council members objected, saying the proposal was not thorough. They pointed out that students without a master's degree may face problems applying for teaching jobs or taking the NET exam. They also argued that admitting PhD students without an interview lacks a credible method to ensure research viability.