Students and Faculty Express Concerns Over DU's New Four-Year Curriculum

Challenges and Innovations: DU's Shift to a Four-Year Undergraduate Program

Delhi University is racing against time to prepare for its fourth year under the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework 2022 (UGCF-2022), marking the first instance of students undertaking a four-year undergraduate course under the National Education Policy 2020. This is not the first attempt at the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) was introduced in 2013 but scrapped the following year due to protests. To accommodate the increased student intake with existing infrastructure, the university plans to extend class hours into the evening. While the new framework promises greater flexibility and research-oriented learning, concerns about faculty, infrastructure, and student interest continue to divide stakeholders.

Under the NEP 2020, the fourth year of the undergraduate program offers three specialization tracks: Dissertation Writing, Academic Projects, and Entrepreneurship. These tracks cater to students interested in academic research, applied research, or market research and business development. The new framework also allows students to earn a certificate after one year, a diploma after two years, a bachelor's (honours) in one core subject, or a bachelor's (multidisciplinary), and a bachelor's (honours with research) or bachelor's (honours in multidisciplinary courses) after the fourth year.

Students opting for the Honours with Research track must take Research Methodology as a General Elective in either Semester VI or VII. The other two tracks do not require this course. The university has also updated its Discipline-Specific Elective (DSE) requirements and expanded the selection flexibility for Generic Electives (GEs). Starting from Semester 5, BA (Programme) students can choose GEs from an open pool outside their core disciplines, according to a university notification.

Special provisions have been introduced for students who have not studied Hindi up to Class 8. According to the amendment, BA (P) and B Com (P) students with two non-language core disciplines who haven't studied Hindi up to Class 8 can opt for a Generic Elective (GE) from the open pool if they cannot be provided a GE in their mother tongue, but the college principal must seek approval. A similar provision may apply to students from South India or the Northeast who lack proficiency in Hindi, allowing them to be exempt from the second language GE (L).

To accommodate the increased academic load, the university plans to extend class hours from 8 am to 8 pm, as recommended by the University Grants Commission (UGC). A senior DU official stated that while labs currently close at 4 pm, their hours will be extended, and students will have mixed timetables with evening classes to ensure all credits are covered. Ajay Arora, Principal of Ramjas College, clarified that students do not need a CGPA above 7.5 to enter the fourth year, as the promotion criteria remain the same from the third year to the fourth year. While the number of students opting for the fourth year cannot be predicted, the university will offer it to any eligible student, as some universities are already implementing the fourth year in their courses.

Arora acknowledged challenges with the college infrastructure, which is designed for a three-year program. Extending to a fourth year would require significant adjustments, including increased resource usage, and would alter the college's working culture. He also noted that the extended schedule would reduce flexibility for students, as timetables would need adjustments to accommodate the increased academic load. Anju Srivastava, Principal of Hindu College, mentioned the uncertainty surrounding the fourth year and said the response from students had been lukewarm, partly due to concerns about the timings. Students in social sciences have shown more interest in continuing to the fourth year, with at least 60% eager due to the research methodology component. However, science students are uncertain whether to continue or focus on preparing for their Master’s programs or IIT exams.

AK Bhagi, president of the Delhi University Teachers’ Association, expressed concerns that the undergraduate research project requirements would not be met due to a lack of UGC special grants. He noted that DU is not prepared for the fourth year, as no teachers have been sanctioned for it, and colleges have not received additional teaching positions despite the 2019 EWS expansion. Bhagi suggested a comprehensive review of the program to ensure its relevance. Karuna Singh, a third-year BA Political Science (Hons.) student, highlighted student confusion due to unclear syllabus and guidelines. She noted that while some classmates plan to take competitive exams or prepare for CUET PG after the third year, others, like herself, are interested in research but are unsure if the syllabus will align with the MA first-year curriculum.

Reflecting on the uncertainty surrounding the NEP implementation, Karuna Singh stated that as part of the first NEP batch, students cannot yet predict whether the fourth year will be problematic or innovative. For those considering postgraduate studies abroad, uncertainty is even greater, with some students unsure whether staying for the fourth year would help or hinder their chances, as some universities in the US and UK now accept three-year undergraduate degrees.

To accommodate fourth-year students, the Principal of Hindu College mentioned that special arrangements are being made. She explained that the college would begin preparing the timetable by April-end, involving speculative planning and calculated risks to accommodate varying student numbers. With the 13 to 14-week semester duration, she noted that challenges with teacher-student ratios would require innovative solutions under the NEP framework. Delhi University's proactive measures reflect a commitment to adapting and enhancing educational frameworks to meet the evolving needs of students and the academic community.

Editor's Note:

Delhi University's introduction of the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework 2022 (UGCF-2022) and the subsequent implementation of a four-year undergraduate program under the National Education Policy 2020 marks a significant evolution in higher education. While the initiative promises greater flexibility, research-oriented learning, and diversified specializations, it also brings challenges related to infrastructure, faculty, and student interest.  The university's effort to extend class hours and accommodate the increased academic load demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing these challenges. However, the concerns raised by faculty and students highlight the need for continuous review and adaptation to ensure the program's success.

Skoobuzz acknowledges the university's commitment to providing an enriched educational experience and calls for collaborative efforts to overcome the hurdles for a seamless transition.