Teachers' body questions Delhi University's one-year PG rollout process

The Democratic Teachers' Front has opposed Delhi University's proposal to launch one-year postgraduate programmes in colleges from 2026-27, alleging the move bypasses statutory bodies and could increase teachers' workload while straining existing infrastructure.

In Short

• DTF opposes DU's plan for one-year PG programme from 2026-27.
• Colleges asked via WhatsApp to propose courses and student intake.
• Concerns raised over infrastructure and faculty workload increase.

The Democratic Teachers’ Front (DTF) has opposed Delhi University’s move to invite colleges to introduce a one-year postgraduate programme from the 2026-27 academic session, alleging that the proposal is being pushed without adequate discussion and infrastructure.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the teachers’ body claimed that colleges received a WhatsApp message from the university registrar seeking their willingness to start the one-year PG programme and asking them to submit proposals mentioning courses and student intake.

QUESTIONS DECISION-MAKING PROCESS

Calling the move “frivolous” and a reflection of a “cavalier attitude” towards students, the DTF alleged that the university administration was bypassing established decision-making procedures.

The teachers’ body said the decision came shortly after meetings of the Academic Council and Executive Council, alleging that such major policy decisions were being taken without proper discussion in statutory bodies.

“Less than a week has passed since the Academic Council and Executive Council meetings were held; the university administration’s move reveals that it no longer considers it necessary to discuss such important moves in the statutory bodies,” the DTF said.

INFRASTRUCTURE CONCERNS AND INCREASED WORKLOAD

The DTF raised concerns that introducing one-year postgraduate programmes in colleges could put additional pressure on teachers and existing infrastructure.

The teachers’ body particularly highlighted challenges for laboratory-based departments, stating that the expansion of postgraduate programmes would require additional resources, faculty and facilities.

QUESTIONS OVER TIMING OF PROGRAMME LAUNCH

The organisation also questioned the timing of the proposed rollout, pointing out that admissions for the one-year PG programme have not yet started, while second-year classes for existing two-year postgraduate courses are already underway.

According to the DTF, implementing the new structure without proper planning could create uncertainty among students.

OPPOSITION TO PROPOSED PhD ORDINANCE CHANGES

The teachers’ body also expressed concerns over reported plans to amend PhD ordinances to allow direct doctoral admissions after the fourth year of undergraduate study.

The DTF said such changes could further add to confusion among students regarding academic pathways.

While supporting collaborative teaching arrangements between colleges and university departments, the teachers’ organisation opposed what it described as “ill-designed” measures for implementing National Education Policy (NEP)-related reforms.

(With PTI inputs)

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