Delhi University’s 1023rd Academic Council Meet: Focus on Timely Payments, New Courses & Student-Centric Reforms


Tribute to Former DU VC Prof. PC Joshi

The 1023rd meeting of the Academic Council of Delhi University (DU) began with a heartfelt tribute to late Professor PC Joshi, former Pro-Vice Chancellor and Acting Vice Chancellor of DU. A condolence resolution was passed in his honour, acknowledging his immense contribution to the university's academic and administrative legacy.

VC Yogesh Singh Orders Immediate Clearance of Paper Checking Dues

During the Zero Hour, a key issue raised was the delayed payments to faculty members for paper checking duties. DU Vice Chancellor Prof. Yogesh Singh directed all departments to submit pending bills without delay and instructed the Examination Branch and Finance Department to process all dues promptly, ensuring that faculty members receive payments on time.

New Course Introduced: ‘Sikh Martyrdom in Indian History (1500–1765)’

The Council approved a new General Elective (GE) course titled “Sikh Martyrdom in Indian History (c.1500–1765)”. Developed by the Centre for Independence and Partition Studies (CIPS), the course explores:

  • The development of Sikhism under the Gurus

  • Martyrdom narratives under Mughal rule

  • Resistance against religious persecution

  • Significant Sikh warriors, martyrs, and historical sites

Open to all undergraduates, this 4-credit course aims to offer a critical, contextual understanding of Sikh history and its intersections with Indian history, especially during the Mughal period. Field visits and visual documentaries will supplement classroom learning.

DU to Introduce Radio Jockeying and 7 Other Skill Enhancement Courses

As part of Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) under the UGCF 2022, DU approved eight new industry-relevant programs, including:

  1. Radio Jockeying – Training in voice modulation, audio console use, live hosting

  2. Vacuum Technology

  3. Eco-Printing on Textiles

  4. Surface Ornamentation

  5. Digital Tools for Interior Design

  6. Medical Diagnostics

  7. Methods in Epidemiological Data Analysis

  8. Methods in Epidemiological Data Collection

These courses are designed to improve students' technical skills and employability across creative, scientific, and diagnostic sectors.


Fourth Year of UG Programmes: Three New Academic Tracks Approved

From the academic session 2025–26, DU will implement the fourth year of undergraduate programmes, in line with UGCF 2022 and UGC Regulations 2018. Students can now opt for one of three distinct tracks:

  • Dissertation

  • Academic Projects

  • Entrepreneurship

Supervision Guidelines:

  • All faculty members, regardless of PhD status, can supervise students.

  • Supervisors will be matched based on subject expertise.

  • An Advisory Committee for Research (ACR) will be formed for each student.

This move aims to strengthen academic mentoring, encourage innovation, and offer hands-on research and business development opportunities.

One-Year Extension for CBCS Batch (2016–17) Students

Acknowledging transitional challenges from CBCS to UGCF, the Academic Council approved a one-year extension for students admitted in 2016–2017 who could not complete their programme within the prescribed timeframe.

This measure is aimed at:

  • Helping students clear backlogs

  • Ensuring fair opportunity to earn degrees under the old system

  • Addressing structural and academic disruptions during the curriculum shift

Course Reforms Based on UGCF 2022 and PGCF 2024

The Council approved updated undergraduate and postgraduate courses across faculties based on the new UGCF 2022 and PGCF 2024 frameworks. These reforms are aimed at:

  • Ensuring curriculum relevance

  • Promoting interdisciplinary learning

  • Creating flexible pathways for academic progression

Conclusion: DU Pushes for Timely Reforms and Academic Innovation

From ensuring prompt payment to educators, to redefining undergraduate education with new courses and extended opportunities for research, Delhi University is aligning its systems with national education goals and real-world demands.

This meeting of the Academic Council reaffirms DU’s commitment to:

  • Academic excellence

  • Administrative efficiency

  • Skill-based, inclusive education

Vice Chancellor Yogesh Singh's leadership continues to drive student-centric and forward-looking reforms, making Delhi University a more agile and responsive institution in the evolving Indian education landscape.

Location: Pune, Maharashtra, India

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