Delhi University Keeps Admissions on Hold as Row Over Four-Year Course Simmers

The Delhi High Court today refused to hear two petitions on the Four Year Undergraduate Programme or FYUP saying they would be taken up when the court's vacation ends in July. "We understand the situation. The admissions will not be affected. There will only be a few days delay," the judges said.

Delhi University Vice Chancellor Dinesh Singh, who had championed the four-year programme and firmly refused to cancel it, resigned yesterday but retracted it later. (Row Over 4-Year Course at Delhi University: 10 Developments)

The University Grants Commission (UGC), the government agency that funds universities and coordinates policies, says the Delhi University must cancel the four-year degree as it violates the nationwide policy of a three-year undergraduate degree course.

But the Delhi University says the order violates its autonomy. Those who favour the four-year system ask why the University Grants Commission allowed its introduction last year. (Delhi University Retains FYUP, Only Tweaks a Little Post UGC Directive)

University officials, including the Vice Chancellor, are reportedly discussing a new proposal by a group of teachers who suggested a middle path - an honours degree in the third year and an optional fourth year for research.

The four-year pattern was introduced last year amid opposition from several student and teacher bodies who said the move was half-baked and forced students to spend more time than needed on general or "foundation" courses. (Also Read: Delhi University Admissions: Over 2.7 Lakh Applications for 54,000 Seats)

Elsewhere in India, students get an honours degree in three years. At Delhi University, an honours degree in Arts or Science involves an extra year. After the first two years, students are eligible for a diploma. After three years, they get a bachelor's degree.

Critics of the four-year programme argue that the current schooling system in India (the 10+2 scheme) allows students to enter college primed to choose a specific subject or discipline.

Nearly 60,000 students who started in the four-year programme last year are worried about their future. The University Grants Commission is working on a plan to help them migrate to a three-year degree when the next academic session begins in August. (Also Read: Delhi University Admissions Begin With Endless Queues and Chaos)

The Supreme Court and central government have refused to intervene. The government requested the warring sides to arrive urgently at a settlement. "I am not at liberty to comment," said Education Minister Smriti Irani. (Plea for Delhi University's Four-Year Programme Rollback Reaches President)