DU unveils new UG framework with flexible entry-exit choices

Delhi University (DU) has announced new guidelines under the Multiple Entry and Exit (ME-ME) system for undergraduate students. This system is based on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and follows the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF) 2022.

According to the university’s new notice, students in undergraduate courses can now leave their course after any even-numbered semester (like the 2nd, 4th, or 6th semester) and return later to complete the remaining part. This change is meant to make education more flexible and student-friendly.

The system uses an academic credit method. Students earn credits based on the number of learning hours. One credit equals one hour of teaching or two hours of practical or field work every week. In one year, students are expected to complete 1,200 learning hours.

The ME-ME system allows students to get a qualification even if they leave the course early. Here’s how it works:

• After 1 year (Semester II): If a student earns 44 credits, they will get an Undergraduate Certificate.

• After 2 years (Semester IV): With 88 credits, they become eligible for an Undergraduate Diploma.

• After 3 years (Semester VI): With 132 credits, they can get a Bachelor’s Degree.

• After 4 years (Semester VIII): Students who complete 176 credits can receive a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours, Honours with Research, or Honours with Entrepreneurship—depending on the course chosen.

This system gives students more choices. For example, if someone needs to leave the course due to personal, health, or financial reasons, they won’t lose their work. They will receive a valid qualification for the time they have spent and credits they’ve earned.

How students can rejoin after exit

Delhi University has also shared the rules for rejoining the course under the same ME-ME system. If a student decides to exit, they can return to the same course and college within seven years, provided their credits are still valid.

The validity of credits depends on the level of qualification the student received before exiting:

• If a student left after 1 year, their credits are valid for up to 3 years.

• If they left after 2 years, their credits are valid for up to 4 years.

• If they left after 3 years, they may return within up to 7 years to complete their 4-year honours degree.

For example, if a student exits after the first year with a certificate, and returns within 3 years, they can continue in the second year. If they complete the remaining required credits, they will be able to receive a full four-year honours degree.

However, students must apply to exit in advance, preferably before the start of the next academic session. If they leave mid-session, the university will award them the qualification based on the last fully completed academic year.

The university has also said that any disputes or confusion about these rules will be resolved by the Vice Chancellor, and their decision will be final.

A separate guideline for students who want to transfer from other universities through lateral entry will be released later.

This system is designed to help students manage their education in a way that suits their personal needs. It makes higher education more accessible and student-centric. The idea is to help learners build their academic journey step-by-step, without the pressure of completing a course in one stretch. It also ensures that their efforts are not wasted if they need to take a break or leave the programme temporarily.

This move could benefit working students, those with financial problems, or anyone needing a break in their studies. They will have the flexibility to return and finish their degree later—without starting from scratch.

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Summary of key points

• DU will now allow students to exit after even-numbered semesters.

• Students will earn certificates, diplomas, or degrees depending on credits earned.

• They can return to the same course within seven years.

• Credit validity ranges from 2 to 4 years, depending on when a student exits.

• Students should apply in advance to exit.

• Lateral entry from other universities will be handled through a separate rule.

• The goal is to make education flexible, inclusive, and easier to access.

This new change by Delhi University aims to give students more freedom and support in shaping their academic futures.