What is the DU-UGC stand-off over 4-year course? All you need to know

But what is the stand off all about, and what are its implications on the current admissions process? DU’s Academic Council passed a resolution saying students seeking admission to undergraduate programmes would be admitted in the three-year Bachelor’s Programme in their Discipline 1 and would graduate with the corresponding degree in three years, in conformity with the National Policy on Education that recommends a 10+2+3 format. Moreover, a student can select ‘minor’ areas of interest, find time for sports and cultural activities, and learn how to undertake projects and research.” * The FYUP, which was part of former HRD minister Kapil Sibal’s aggressive reform agenda for higher education in India, was widely criticised for the hurried manner in which it was pushed through by the Delhi University vice-chancellor Dinesh Singh, despite widespread opposition from students and teachers. * Keen to deliver on BJP’s election promise to roll back the four year DU programme, HRD minister Smriti Irani is reported to have told a delegation of DU teachers and students who met her on 30 May that she would hold “widespread consultation at all levels” on the issue. * To ensure that students admitted to the four-year programme in 2013-14 session are not placed at a disadvantage, UGC has constituted a standing committee to advise Delhi University for migrating from the FYUP to the three-year undergraduate programme, reports the Economic Times : The regulator has asked DU and its colleges to make “appropriate arrangements” to help these students migrate to a three-year undergraduate programme structure “so that they do not lose an academic year for obtaining undergraduate degrees and ensure that students acquire necessary academic and other competence during the next two academic years.” * The ET report added that UGC has issued a public notice, reaching out particularly to students and parents, stating that DU and its colleges will not be admitting students for a four year programme and that all admissions will be to the three-year undergraduate programmes.