New Delhi, April 16, 2026: Delhi University’s Academic Council has approved a proposal allowing students to earn a small portion of their academic credits through online platforms, even as several faculty members raised strong objections over its potential impact on education quality.
Under the new plan, students across undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programmes will be permitted to obtain up to five percent of their total credits through online courses offered on platforms such as SWAYAM and other digital learning systems. The proposal will now be placed before the Executive Council, which is scheduled to meet on April 29 for final approval.
The policy outlines that online and offline course content must maintain a minimum similarity of sixty percent to be considered valid, with stricter requirements of up to seventy five percent for core and compulsory subjects.
Several elected members expressed dissatisfaction, stating that the decision was passed despite their opposition. Faculty members warned that allowing significant variation between online and classroom content could dilute academic standards.
They also pointed out that the responsibility of reviewing and aligning online courses, along with designing additional bridge modules if required, would place an extra burden on teachers.
Some members argued that digital courses should only serve as supplementary learning tools rather than replacing traditional classroom teaching.
Alongside the online credit proposal, the council also cleared a Semester Away Programme aimed at giving students international exposure. The initiative will allow students to spend one semester at a foreign higher education institution, with credits earned abroad counting toward their degree.
The programme is expected to be rolled out in the 2026 to 27 academic session after final clearance. While students will largely fund their participation, the university has indicated that financial assistance will be provided to deserving candidates from economically weaker backgrounds.
Eligible undergraduate students will be able to apply during select semesters, and the university plans to support meritorious students from reserved and disadvantaged categories.
The council also approved several curriculum related measures, including the introduction of one year postgraduate programmes in multiple disciplines, a revised two year MA Philosophy course, and updated self learning materials for open learning courses aligned with the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework 2022.
Despite the approvals, the proposals have sparked debate within the academic community, with concerns likely to persist as the final decision moves to the Executive Council.
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