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Delhi University PG Research Guidelines Delayed Under NEP; DTF Seeks Clarity on Evaluation and Promotion Rules
New Delhi: The Implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) has created an uncertain situation for Delhi University’s (DU) postgraduate students and departments regarding research requirements. The Democratic Teachers’ Front (DTF) has requested the university administration to release postgraduate research guidelines for Tracks 2 and 3 immediately. Through a recent communication to the Vice-Chancellor, the DTF has sought clarity on a number of critical matters including how postgraduate research will be supervised and assessed, the role and function of the relevant Committees, what the Promotion Rules will be, and how the university will ensure a fair, transparent, and equitable process.
It may be noted that the University had notified the Postgraduate Curriculum Framework (PGCF) on the 13th February, 2025, but the much awaited detailed guidelines for research tracks are still not released, says DTF. In the absence of clear rules and frameworks, the first batch of NEP-UGCF 2022 framework, moving through the revised academic structure, may find it difficult to understand what is expected of them and how they are assessed to make informed decisions.
Why Has DTF Raised the Issue?
The DTF says that detailed guidelines for postgraduate research in Tracks 2 and 3 are essential. Lack of such guidelines has adversely impacted the teaching learning process, and affected departments and students, particularly regarding evaluation, as well as mentorship.The teachers’ body has drawn attention to the recent decision of the university regarding undergraduate research guidelines.
DU notified the revised UG research guidelines on 6th November, 2026, following an earlier representation of the DTF. The DTF has appreciated the University’s action while continuing to call for immediate issuance of detailed guidelines for postgraduate research in Tracks 2 and 3, and also to give assurances for a fair, transparent and equitable process.
Three Areas Where Clarification from the DU Is Sought
The DTF’s representation covers three aspects of the PG research framework.
1. Committee Structure for Research Supervision
The teachers’ body has pointed out that the University has notified the structure and roles of various committees for the supervision of undergraduate research. It has, thus, sought clarity on the same for postgraduate research.
Clarity on the above would help define the committees/structures to help departments understand how research work is to be supervised and monitored. This would help students know the academic support available.
2. Evaluation Criteria for Tracks 2 and 3
The DTF has also requested for an evaluation criteria for both the research pathways. As cited in the report, for PG Credit Framework (PGCF):
- Track 2 (Coursework and Research) – The research component for this track carries 6 credits each for every semester and is assessed based on a research report.
- Track 3 (Pure Research) – The research component in this track carries 10 credits in the 7th semester and 16 credits in the 8th semester and is assessed based on a research dissertation.
Without an evaluation scheme, students and teachers may not understand the criteria for assessing research projects/theses.
3. Promotion Rules for the PG Credit Framework
The third demand relates to the promotion rules for PG Credit Framework. The DTF has asked for clarification on the process that students need to go through to academically progress.
The request is more relevant for students opting for research pathways, since there is no definitive way to tell how research progresses.
PG Students Miss Out on Important Info Due to Delay
The DTF says that due to the unavailability of clear and definite guidelines, PG students are unable to take informed academic decisions. Departments do not have a comprehensive document that would help them address students' concerns and provide academic and research mentoring, consistently and adequately.
The DU teachers’ union has also raised concerns about the lack of transparency in the way notifications for postgraduate courses are issued. It says a consolidated set of instructions would eliminate the confusion prevailing during the implementation of the new academic structure.
What Has Delhi University Notified So Far?
The website of the academic administration of the University of Delhi lists the notifications on the PGCF structure and the assessment pattern for PG courses under PGCF for 2025. These notifications specify parts of the Post-Graduate curriculum and assessment framework, respectively.
The DTF’s latest representation has sought more definitive instructions for research Tracks 2 and 3, including formation of committees, evaluation criteria and criteria for academic promotion. The PGCF documents issued by the University should not be considered as reply to the concerns raised by the teachers’ body.
What Happens Next?
As per the DTF, Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh and the university administration have been urged to swiftly issue the pending guidelines. The representation was signed by the members of the DTF and the Executive of the Delhi University Teachers’ Association (DUTA). According to the November 10th report, the immediate demand is for the university to clarify the research framework so students and departments have a defined understanding for academic assessment, mentorship and promotion.
Postgraduate students wishing to undertake research within the framework of the NEP should monitor official updates from Delhi University for any amendments to the guidelines. The Academic Affairs website is the first point of reference for amendments to PGCFs and other academic guides of the University.
FAQs
1. Why has DTF been vocal about the PG research guidelines of Delhi University?
The Democratic Teachers’ Front has expressed concern about the lack of timely detailed guidelines for postgraduate research within Tracks 2 and 3 of the NEP based Postgraduate Curriculum Framework (PGCF). This has raised uncertainty about evaluation, mentorship and academic promotion.
2. What has DTF asked of Delhi University?
The DTF has asked for clarification regarding research committee structures and the criteria for evaluation and promotion within Tracks 2 and 3 of the PGCF.
3. What are Tracks 2 and 3 of the Postgraduate research framework of Delhi University?
Track 2 incorporates research and coursework with a minimum of 6 research credits in a semester. Track 3 is a research only track, with 10 research credits in the seventh semester and 16 research credits in the eighth semester.
4. When was the Postgraduate Curriculum Framework notified by Delhi University?
Delhi University notified its Postgraduate Curriculum Framework on February 13, 2025.
5. What is the source of the latest PG guidelines of Delhi University?
Students can find the latest PG guidelines of Delhi University on the university’s official Academic Affairs portal: https://academicaffairs.du.ac.in/new-guidelines/.
6. Have the pending PG research guidelines been notified?
The research guidelines for Tracks 2 and 3, as per the report dated November 10, 2026, were not notified at the time of the report. Students are advised to refer to the official university website for further updates.
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