The University of Delhi (DU) will allow eligible students to pursue a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) directly after completing its four-year undergraduate program. This new pathway eliminates the need for a separate master’s degree. The change applies to students finishing the Four-Year Undergraduate Program (FYUP) in 2026.
Direct PhD Eligibility Criteria
Students must complete the FYUP and achieve a minimum Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 7.5 to be eligible. For Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) students, the minimum CGPA requirement is 7.0. The university has integrated this provision into its ordinances after approval from its academic and executive councils. DU has aligned the fourth-year curriculum with doctoral study requirements, preparing students for direct PhD admission.
Impact on FYUP Students
The first batch of DU's FYUP began in the 2022-23 academic session with 75,948 students. Over 40,000 students exited after three years in 2025, while approximately 35,943 continued to the fourth year. The fourth year of the FYUP focuses on research and entrepreneurship. This approach aims to align Indian degrees with international standards. Students in the fourth year undertake academic projects. They must identify real-world problems and develop solutions, directly preparing them for doctoral research.
Streamlined Academic Path
This decision simplifies the academic progression for FYUP students. It encourages an early focus on research. The direct PhD route removes the requirement of an additional master’s degree for many students. Those meeting the CGPA requirements should prepare their research proposals in advance. Further announcements regarding the next academic session are expected from the university. This initiative provides students with a clear academic trajectory from their first year. It clarifies eligibility and establishes a direct route to doctoral studies.
