Delhi University's Academic Council has approved direct PhD admissions for graduates of its Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP). The change, effective from the 2026-27 academic session , allows FYUP graduates to pursue a doctorate without a Master's or MPhil degree.
Direct PhD Admissions Approved
The university's Ordinance VI on PhD regulations was amended to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and UGC PhD regulations from 2022. This new pathway aims to streamline the research process for students.
Under the revised rules, eligible FYUP graduates must have completed a four-year bachelor's degree with a research component. They need to achieve a minimum academic score of 75% marks or a 7.5 CGPA . Additionally, candidates must have passed national-level eligibility tests like UGC-NET or CSIR-NET.
The fourth year of the FYUP curriculum includes research methodology courses and dissertation work. Proponents of the direct admission policy argue this integrated research experience prepares students for doctoral studies. They state the change can save up to two years in a student's academic journey towards a PhD.
Faculty Concerns Raised
The decision has sparked debate among faculty members and Academic Council members. Critics voice concerns about the depth of subject matter understanding. They question if a four-year undergraduate degree sufficiently covers foundational knowledge for advanced doctoral research.
The new regulations specify a 75% minimum aggregate or 7.5 CGPA for general category candidates. For Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL), Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD), and Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) categories, the minimum requirement is 70% marks or a 7.0 CGPA .
Key Provisions of New PhD Rules
The pathway for direct PhD entry requires successful completion of the four-year FYUP degree. A strong academic record is essential, alongside passing the UGC-NET or CSIR-NET examinations. The final selection will consider both NET scores and performance in a departmental personal interview.
| Parameter | Details |
| Eligibility Route | Four-Year Bachelor's Degree with Research (FYUP) |
| Minimum Academic Score | 75% marks or 7.5 CGPA (70% / 7.0 CGPA for SC/ST/OBC-NCL/PwBD/EWS) |
| Entrance Test Requirement | Must qualify UGC-NET or CSIR-NET |
| Selection Process | NET Scores + Departmental Personal Interview |
| Implementation Cycle | 2026–27 Academic Session |
The direct PhD admission route will be available to the first graduating batch of the FYUP program in the 2026-27 academic year. This timing ensures continuity for students entering the research field.
