Delhi University may shift FYUP 4th year to select colleges

New Delhi: Delhi University is considering a major change in the implementation of its National Education Policy (NEP)-mandated four-year undergraduate programme by offering the fourth year only through select cluster colleges instead of every affiliated college, according to a report by TOI.

The move comes after low student enrolment for the fourth year raised concerns over the financial and administrative viability of running the programme across all colleges. The proposal, recommended by the Delhi University Principals' Association (DUPA), is being viewed positively by the university, though a final decision will be taken after admission data is reviewed.

"We are positively considering the recommendation. The idea is to avoid expenditure where student strength is too low. We also have to justify the resources being deployed. After all, these are public funds and must be utilised optimally," registrar Vikas Gupta told TOI.

Common classes for students from multiple colleges

Under the proposed model, selected colleges would host fourth-year classes for students from multiple colleges, allowing the university to pool faculty and infrastructure instead of running separate batches at every institution.

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"Under NEP, students already have the flexibility to exit after different stages. For those opting to continue to the fourth year, we can create combined batches of students from different colleges and hold classes at a designated location. There is no need for students to formally migrate from one college to another if their college is not among those identified to offer the fourth year," Gupta said.

He added that admissions are still underway and the university will take a final decision after receiving complete enrolment data.

"Based on the data, if the situation warrants it, we will positively consider the suggestion," he said.

DUPA cites low enrolment

The proposal follows a July 10 letter from DUPA secretary Prof. Savita Roy to the dean of colleges, with copies to the dean (academics) and the registrar.

The association said that while around 30% of students enrolled for the fourth year in the 2025-26 academic session, only a limited number of students have so far expressed interest in continuing to the fourth year for the 2026-27 session.

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"Based on the enrollment data for the academic year 2025-26, approximately 30% of students opted for the fourth year of the UG programme. However, for 2026-27, only a limited number of students have, thus far, expressed interest in continuing to their fourth year," the letter said.

Citing feedback from principals, DUPA said it may not be "financially, academically, or administratively feasible for every college to offer all fourth-year programmes, particularly where student enrolment is very low."

The association urged the university to "identify and designate selected colleges" to offer specific fourth-year programmes based on infrastructure, faculty strength, academic resources and student demand. It said such rationalisation would ensure the "optimum utilisation of resources" while maintaining the quality and sustainability of the programme.

First major change since FYUP rollout

If approved, the cluster college model will mark the first major change in the implementation of Delhi University's four-year undergraduate programme introduced under the NEP.

The programme has faced criticism from sections of teachers and students over its academic design and usefulness. Colleges have also reported infrastructure challenges, with several institutions setting up temporary portacabins and arranging additional funds to accommodate the extra academic year.

The proposed model is aimed at consolidating teaching and infrastructure resources while allowing students from different colleges to complete the fourth year through designated institutions.

(With inputs from TOI)