UGC has supported the proposed four-year undergraduate programme of Delhi University which has attracted a fair amount of controversy, but feels it has to be aligned with the post graduate level with adequate focus on research.
HRD Ministry has said in Parliament that DU is prepared to launch the four-year undergraduate programme even as it has been opposed by a section of teachers on the grounds that it is being introduced in a haste without exhaustive deliberation about its merit.
"The four-year undergraduate programme meets international standards and we welcome the move but DU should seek to align it with the post graduate level so that the pass-outs can directly enrol for PhD," UGC officials said.
The proposal has given rise to apprehensions among students who come from across the country to seek admission in DU about the duration of the post graduate level course.
The new system, which is being watched closely by other universities, seeks to introduce interdisciplinary pedagogy, enhance the quality of education and impart employable skills.
UGC officials, citing the Kothari Commission, said DU has within its rights to set the duration of the programme. The commission states there should not be any rigidity for the programme duration which can vary from university to university.
The four-year programme would be launched from this academic session.
The Ministry, under pressure to take a call on the subject, is examining representations from the teachers opposing the move and is expected to take a decision soon.
