Delhi University: DTF flags delay in PG research guidelines under NEP, seeks clarity

The Democratic Teachers' Front (DTF), Delhi University, has urged Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh to immediately release detailed guidelines for postgraduate (PG) research under Tracks 2 and 3 of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 framework. The front stated that the delay has affected teaching-learning process and left students and departments without clarity on evaluation as well as mentorship.

In a letter addressed to the Vice-Chancellor, the teachers' body acknowledged the university's notification of revised undergraduate (UG) research guidelines dated November 6, issued in line with its earlier letter on the matter.

However, the DTF said that detailed guidelines for PG research, particularly for Tracks 2 and 3, were yet to be notified despite the university's February 13, 2025 notification on the Postgraduate Curriculum Framework (PGCF). The notification highlights the credit scheme for three tracks and the expected outcomes for dissertation, academic projects and entrepreneurship.

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DTF seeks clarity

The teachers' body has sought clarity on these three key aspects-

• Committee structure: Detailed information on structure of various committees responsible for overseeing PG research, similar to the arrangements provided for UG research in fourth year as per DU notification dated August 4, 2025.
• Evaluation scheme: The evaluation criteria for PG research under Tracks 2 and 3. Under Track 2 (Coursework and Research), the research component carries six credits per semester. Under Track 3 (Only Research), research carries 10 credits in the seventh semester and 16 credits in the eighth semester.
• Promotion rules: Clear guidelines on promotion rules under the NEP-based PGCF.

The DTF said the delay in issuing these important notifications, along with the piecemeal notification of several PG courses, had affected the teaching-learning process.

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It also pointed out that the current batch of postgraduate students is the first under the NEP-UGCF 2022 framework. According to the teachers' body, the absence of a clearly defined evaluation process has made it difficult for students to make informed academic choices, while departments lack clarity on providing mentorship.

The letter stated that students in the current batch felt like "guinea pigs" due to the university's lack of clarity and alleged inaction. It further said that although the university had shown urgency in implementing NEP 2022 recommendations, the process lacked the will to bring about meaningful change.

The DTF has requested the university administration to issue the pending PG research guidelines immediately. The letter was signed by members of the DTF and Delhi University Teachers' Association (DUTA) executive, including Mithuraaj Dhusiya, Monami Sinha, Dinesh Kataria, Anumeha Mishra, Sanjeev Kaushal, V S Dixit, Jitendra Meena, Biswajit Mohanty and Yasha Yadav.