The University of Delhi (DU) has unveiled a new direct PhD pathway for students who complete its four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP). This initiative allows eligible graduates to transition directly into doctoral studies without the need for a master’s degree. The program is set to benefit the first cohort of FYUP students graduating in 2026 and will be implemented as a special measure for the 2026-27 academic session.
Delhi University will allow eligible FYUP graduates with 7.5 CGPA to apply directly for PhD programmes in 2026-27 without a master’s degree.
Under the new provision, students who complete the FYUP with a minimum 7.5 CGPA can apply directly for PhD programmes. For SC/ST students, the minimum eligibility has been set at 7 CGPA. The university’s first FYUP batch began in the 2022-23 academic session, with 75,948 students taking admission. Of these, more than 40,000 students exited after the third year in 2025, while around 35,943 continued into the fourth year.
The university said the provision has been incorporated into its ordinances after approval from the Academic Council and Executive Council. DU’s press release said the university has already “aligned the academic progression of fourth year students with the Ph.D programmes,” enabling them to apply directly after completing FYUP. It also noted that students completing the FYUP are “not necessary to do master’s programme,” with the required academic pathway already provided by the university.
