Come July, students at Delhi University (DU) will face a pivotal academic decision — whether to continue into the fourth and final year of the university’s newly implemented Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP), or graduate after three years with a conventional degree. As the inaugural batch under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 approaches this crossroads, questions around curriculum structure, degree value, and career impact are top of mind.
Why a Fourth Year?
The move to a four-year format, introduced under the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF) 2022, aligns India’s higher education model with international standards. Most global institutions expect applicants to have completed a four-year undergraduate programme before enrolling in postgraduate courses. For students eyeing opportunities abroad — particularly in research-heavy institutions — the fourth year adds academic depth, research exposure, and an edge in competitive applications.
Under the new structure, students who complete four years may receive a degree titled “Honours with Research”, provided they undertake a research-based track. For others, options include academic projects, entrepreneurship modules, or additional electives.
What Happens If You Exit After Three Years?
Students who choose to leave after the third year will still earn a BA (Hons.), BSc (Hons.), or BCom (Hons.) degree — provided they meet the credit requirements. However, they forgo the added weight of a research thesis or practical project that the fourth year offers. For those enrolled in Programme (non-Honours) courses, exiting after three years may result in only a general degree unless they complete the fourth year to qualify for an Honours-level title.
Credit Requirements and Track Options
To graduate after four years, students must complete 176 credits (compared to 132 in three years). In the final year, students can choose from four academic tracks:
- Dissertation Track – Ideal for those planning higher studies or academic careers.
- Academic Project Track – Involves hands-on fieldwork, surveys, or documentation.
- Entrepreneurship Track – Focuses on innovation and startup development.
Additional Electives and Skill-Based Modules – Designed primarily for Programme students, School of Open Learning (SOL), and Non-Collegiate Women’s Education Board (NCWEB) students.
The “Honours with Research” tag is available only to students who opt for the dissertation or project tracks — and not to those in Programme courses, even if they complete the fourth year.
The Ground Reality: Student Dilemmas and College Preparedness
Despite the potential benefits, many students are uncertain. Orientation sessions have been held, but feedback suggests a lack of clarity about implementation, assessment criteria, and mentorship. Programme course students, in particular, feel left behind as they are not eligible for research-based degrees even after completing the extra year.
Institutions themselves are racing against time to build the infrastructure needed for the additional academic load. Several DU colleges — including Ramjas, Aryabhatta, Hindu, SRCC, and Miranda House — are expanding facilities, adding classrooms and labs, and reorganizing teaching schedules. However, concerns over space shortages, increased faculty workload, and funding for new posts remain unresolved.
Legacy of Controversy
This isn’t DU’s first tryst with a four-year model. A similar initiative was rolled out in 2013 and scrapped in 2014 after heavy criticism and protests, including objections from the University Grants Commission (UGC). Critics cited rushed implementation and inadequate consultation. The current version, part of the NEP rollout, attempts to reintroduce the concept with more structure and flexibility.
Who Should Consider the Fourth Year?
- Students aiming for foreign universities that require a four-year UG degree.
- Those interested in research careers, policy work, or fellowships.
- Programme students who want to convert their general degree into an Honours degree (though not Honours with Research).
- Students with clear plans for postgraduate studies in India, where a two-year Master’s is still the norm.
- Those preparing for competitive exams or seeking early job placements.
- Students concerned about infrastructure gaps or academic uncertainty in the fourth year.
As July approaches, students must weigh their aspirations, preparedness, and the evolving institutional support to make the right call.
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