New Delhi: The Democratic Teachers' Front (DTF) has opposed Delhi University's proposal to introduce a one-year postgraduate (PG) programme in affiliated colleges from the 2026-27 academic session, alleging that the proposal is being pushed forward without adequate consultation, infrastructure planning, or sufficient faculty support. 

According to the DTF, several colleges reportedly received a message from the university registrar asking them to indicate whether they were willing to offer the one-year PG programme. The communication also sought immediate proposals mentioning the courses to be introduced and the expected student intake.

At the time of writing, Delhi University had not issued an official response to the DTF's allegations. 

Teachers' Body Questions Decision-Making Process

The DTF criticised the university administration for allegedly bypassing established academic procedures while making an important policy decision. The organisation stated that the proposal was circulated shortly after the meetings of the Academic Council and Executive Council, without being discussed in those statutory bodies.

Calling the move "frivolous" and reflective of a "cavalier attitude" towards students, the DTF argued that major academic decisions should be discussed through the university's statutory bodies before implementation. 

Infrastructure and Faculty Shortage Raise Concerns

The teachers' organisation also highlighted concerns regarding the availability of infrastructure and teaching staff. It pointed out that the first batch of students completing the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) under the National Education Policy (NEP) had already faced challenges because of the limited number of seats initially available in the one-year PG programme.

Although the university later increased the intake, the DTF claimed that there was no proportional increase in classrooms, laboratories, or teaching resources to support the expanded admissions.

According to the organisation, many colleges are already managing higher student strength due to the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) quota and the implementation of the fourth year under the FYUP, without receiving adequate teaching and non-teaching staff.

Additional Workload for Teachers

The DTF warned that extending the one-year PG programme to colleges could significantly increase the workload of teachers, particularly in departments that require laboratory facilities and practical training. It argued that existing infrastructure is already under pressure and may struggle to accommodate another academic programme without additional investment.

The organisation also questioned the timing of the proposal, noting that admissions for the one-year postgraduate programme are yet to begin while classes for the second year of the existing two-year PG courses have already commenced.

Concerns Over Direct PhD Admission Proposal

The teachers' body further expressed concern over reports that Delhi University is considering amendments to its PhD admission regulations to allow students to pursue direct doctoral admissions after completing the fourth year of undergraduate studies.

According to the DTF, introducing multiple academic reforms simultaneously could create uncertainty for students and institutions unless supported by proper planning, infrastructure, and transparent consultation.

DTF Supports Collaboration but Seeks Better Planning

While opposing the current implementation strategy, the DTF clarified that it supports collaborative teaching arrangements between university departments and affiliated colleges. However, it urged the university administration to adopt a more structured and consultative approach before rolling out major reforms under the National Education Policy.

The DTF has urged Delhi University to place the proposal before its statutory bodies and ensure adequate faculty, infrastructure, and academic resources before implementing the one-year postgraduate programme in affiliated colleges.