Delhi University’s initial cohort under the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme has completed its degrees. Students and faculty report persistent challenges with research access and infrastructure.
Delhi University introduced the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme in the 2022-23 academic year under the National Education Policy 2020. The optional fourth year aims to incorporate research into undergraduate studies and align Indian degrees with international standards.
In August 2025, about 55 per cent of eligible students, or roughly 31,000 out of 71,000, chose to continue for an Honours with Research degree. The second batch is scheduled to begin this year.
Graduates described uneven preparation and support. Aishi Mitra from Lady Shri Ram College noted that she had to manage the research component independently, while Charu Singh from Gargi College highlighted the advantage of an extended degree for postgraduate applications abroad. Jessica Joy from Jesus and Mary College withdrew midway due to academic load and uncertainty.
Faculty members pointed to infrastructure shortfalls. Abha Dev Habib of Miranda House stated that examination halls lacked adequate facilities and that temporary faculty received no extra support for supervising theses. She added that the programme risks favouring students who can afford to delay employment.