DU allows FYUP graduates to apply directly for PhD without master's degree

Delhi University (DU) has opened a direct route to doctoral studies for eligible students completing its four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP), removing the requirement of a master’s degree for the first FYUP graduating batch.

The provision will apply to the 2026-27 academic session as a special measure and will benefit students completing the four-year programme in 2026.

Under the new rule, FYUP graduates with a minimum 7.5 CGPA can apply directly to PhD programs. The minimum eligibility criterion for SC/ST students is 7 CGPA.

DU said the provision has been incorporated into its ordinances following approval by the Academic Council and Executive Council.

In its press release, the university said it has already "aligned the academic progression of fourth year students with the Ph.D. programs," allowing eligible students to pursue doctoral studies after completing FYUP.

The university also said students completing the four-year programme are "not necessary to do master's program," as the academic progression required for PhD admission has been incorporated into the FYUP structure.

The first FYUP batch was admitted in the 2022-23 academic session, with 75,948 students joining the programme. More than 40,000 students exited after completing three years in 2025, while around 35,943 continued into the fourth year.

According to DU, the fourth year of the undergraduate programme is designed to bring "research and entrepreneurship into undergraduate education" while aligning Indian degrees with global academic standards.

Students who choose academic projects in their fourth year are required to identify a real-time problem and work toward developing a solution.

The university said the direct PhD pathway is currently being introduced only for the 2026-27 academic session as a special provision for the first batch of students completing the FYUP.