New Delhi:
A dispute over the Delhi University's four-year undergraduate programme or FYUP has left thousands of students confused and uncertain about college admissions in the capital.
The Delhi University has, till now, refused to follow an order to scrap the four-year system, which has been opposed by many teachers and students. Various student bodies are protesting today to push for a return to the old three-year pattern.
Here is your 10-point cheat-sheet to the story:
One of Delhi's top colleges, St Stephens, has put off admissions to the four-year course after an order from the University Grants Commission (UGC) to do away with the controversial system put in place last year. Other colleges may follow.
The UGC has directed the Delhi University to switch back to the three-year undergraduate programme and help the first FYUP batch to move to the three-year programme by completing their course in two instead of three years. (UGC Gives Ultimatum to Delhi University over Four-Year Programme)
The Delhi University has refused to budge, insisting that the four-year course does not violate the education policy as students still have the option to exit after three years, though without an honours degree.
The row comes as students prepare to queue up for college admissions this week. The first cut off list for various courses is set to be released on Monday evening and admissions begin on Tuesday.
Student and teacher bodies in Delhi have been protesting against the four-year programme in which students go through a foundation course in the first year before beginning their honours studies from the second year, unlike their counterparts in other universities in India.
The Delhi University Vice Chancellor, Dinesh Singh, believes the four-year structure introduces a healthy interdisciplinary approach. But teachers say they were not consulted or given enough time to redesign the courses.
The UGC has warned the Delhi University of "consequences" if its orders are not followed. Officials said continued defiance could leave the Delhi University facing loss of grants and de-recognition.
The BJP had said during its election campaign that it would scrap the four-year programme if it came to power.
The UGC has set up a 10-member committee including teachers and student body leaders to prepare a roadmap for the transition to the old system. Its chief is currently meeting Education Minister Smriti Irani.
Some 60,000 students who enrolled under the four-year system may now have to go back to the traditional three-year format.
Post a comment