| Updated On - Jul 25, 2026
Delhi University Academic Council has approved an amended PhD ordinance allowing four-year undergraduate degree holders to pursue a PhD directly. Eligible students need 75 percent marks or a 7.5 CGPA in their four-year UG programme.
The University of Delhi (DU) has amended its PhD ordinance at du.ac.in. The Academic Council (AC) approved the change on July 25, 2026. It allows four-year undergraduate degree holders to pursue a PhD directly. Students no longer need a master's or MPhil qualification for doctoral admission.
The amendment follows recommendations from DU's Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Council (RIEC). It aligns DU's PhD Ordinance VI with University Grants Commission (UGC) rules. The UGC had earlier revised its 2022 PhD Regulations for this purpose.
What Has Changed in DU's PhD Ordinance
Four-year UG graduates with research can now enrol in a PhD directly. This route is open to FYUP students from DU and other recognised universities. The change applies to the 2026-27 doctoral admission cycle.
DU rolled out the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) in 2022-23. The rollout was part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The first batch of FYUP students is set to graduate in 2026.
Eligibility for Direct PhD Admission at DU
The amended ordinance aligns with the UGC's minimum score requirements. Candidates must also clear the UGC-NET or CSIR-NET examination. A departmental Personal Interview follows before final selection.
| Qualification Route | Minimum Score | Additional Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Year UG with Research | 75 percent or 7.5 CGPA | UGC-NET or CSIR-NET |
| One-Year PG after Four-Year UG | 55 percent or 5.5 CGPA | UGC-NET or CSIR-NET |
| Two-Year PG after Three-Year UG | 55 percent or 5.5 CGPA | UGC-NET or CSIR-NET |
| MPhil Degree | 55 percent or 5.5 CGPA | UGC-NET or CSIR-NET |
A 5 percent relaxation applies to SC, ST, OBC-NCL, PwD, and EWS candidates. All applicants must appear for a department-level interview at DU.
Concerns Flagged by Academic Council Members
Two AC members submitted a dissent note against the amended ordinance. They are Maya John and Latika Gupta. Their note flags three specific issues with the new rules.
The first issue is about reservation. The dissent note says the ordinance lacks clarity on reservation norms for FYUP entrants. The second issue is about grouping.
The members argue that FYUP students form a distinct category. Grouping them with master's and MPhil holders may compromise reservation provisions. The third issue relates to research funding.
The ordinance caps non-JRF fellowships at 16 plus 1 per department. AC members say this leaves other full-time PhD scholars without clear financial support. The dissent will be reviewed by the DU Executive Council.
How to Apply for PhD Admission at DU?
The application window for the current PhD cycle opened on July 12, 2026. Interested candidates must apply through the official DU admission portal. Follow the steps below to submit your application.
Visit the DU admission portal and register with a valid email ID. Fill in personal, academic, and category details in the form. Upload scanned copies of your NET score card and degree certificate. Pay the non-refundable registration fee of Rs 750 online. Submit the form and download the confirmation page.
This is DU's first direct PhD entry route for four-year UG students. The rule shortens the research pathway by at least two years. It marks a structural shift in Indian doctoral admissions under NEP 2020.
Action Plan for Candidates
- Visit the DU admission portal at du.ac.in for full ordinance details.
- Confirm your four-year UG score meets the 75 percent cut-off.
- Register for the UGC-NET or CSIR-NET if you have not already qualified.
- Keep your degree certificate, NET score card, and category proof ready.
- Arrange the Rs 750 registration fee and submit the application online.
Watch for the DU Executive Council decision on the dissent note. Also track the final PhD admission schedule for 2026-27.
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