Delhi University allows FYUP graduates with 7.5 CGPA, or 7 CGPA for SC/ST students, to apply directly for PhD programmes in 2026–27
New Delhi: The University of Delhi (DU) has opened a direct pathway to PhD programmes for students completing its Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP), allowing eligible graduates to pursue doctoral studies without completing a master’s degree.
The provision will apply as a special measure for the 2026–27 academic session, benefiting the first batch of students to complete the FYUP in 2026. Students securing a minimum 7.5 CGPA, or 7 CGPA for SC/ST students, will be eligible to apply directly for PhD programmes, subject to university rules.
DU introduced the FYUP under the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF) 2022, based on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Of the 75,948 students admitted in 2022–23, 40,005 exited after three years in 2025, while 35,943 continued into the fourth year.
The university said the optional fourth year was designed to strengthen research and entrepreneurship in undergraduate education and align Indian degrees with global academic standards.
For 2026–27, DU has also offered one-year postgraduate programmes across 46 programmes with 5,857 seats. A total of 12,111 fourth-year students applied for these programmes, accounting for 34.27% of those continuing into the fourth year. The university has retained the same number of seats for two-year PG programmes for students exiting after three years.
The FYUP curriculum includes skill-based courses, internships, apprenticeships, community outreach and an entrepreneurship track. The university has also encouraged startups and innovation through its Udhmodya Foundation, with 25 colleges establishing Skill Development Centres with university funding.
DU said its ordinances have been amended to align the academic progression of FYUP students with PhD programmes, creating a pathway from the four-year undergraduate degree directly to doctoral research.
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