The University of Delhi has announced a significant change to its undergraduate program requirements, raising the passing criteria for promotion to the next year from 50 percent to 63 percent for all courses. This decision, implemented across all DU colleges, necessitates a minimum 63 percent score in the first and second semesters for students to progress to the next academic year. However, exemptions may be granted to students representing DU in sports, extracurricular activities, the National Cadet Corps (NCC), the National Service Scheme (NSS), and other similar endeavors, subject to approval by their respective college authorities. This shift in academic standards is a direct response to identified deficiencies in the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF) 2022, according to university officials. Previously, students were eligible for promotion after achieving a 50 percent pass rate across the first and second semesters, requiring them to clear seven papers and accumulate 22 credits. However, the NEP-UGCF 2022’s credit system presented a potential loophole, allowing students to progress to the next year after completing only three papers from both semesters and one general elective, even with a score as low as 36 percent. Recognizing this discrepancy as detrimental to students’ academic growth and a departure from the NEP 2020’s objectives, a 12-member committee, including principals from various DU colleges such as Miranda House, Kirori Mal College, and Lady Shri Ram College, convened on May 7th to address the issue. The committee, alongside the Dean, Academics and Controller of Examination (COE), formulated recommendations that were subsequently approved by the DU Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh on May 28th. In addition to raising the passing percentage, the committee also suggested an increase in the required credit count for promotion from 22 to 28 credits. These changes aim to ensure a more rigorous academic experience, better aligning with the goals of the NEP 2020 and promoting a deeper understanding of the curriculum.
Delhi University Raises Passing Criteria for Undergraduate Students
