DU Updates PhD Rules: Four-Year UG Graduates Now Eligible for Direct PhD Admissions @du.ac.in
Published 25 Jul 20265 min read
The University of Delhi (DU) has updated its PhD rules on its website, du.ac.in. The change was approved by the Academic Council (AC) on July 25, 2026. Now, students who have completed a four-year undergraduate degree can apply directly for a PhD without needing a master's or MPhil degree. This change came after suggestions from DU's Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Council (RIEC). It brings DU's PhD Ordinance VI in line with the rules set by the University Grants Commission (UGC). The UGC had already updated its 2022 PhD regulations to allow this kind of entry.
What Has Changed in DU's PhD Ordinance
Four-year undergraduate students who have done research work can now apply directly for a PhD. This option is available to FYUP students from DU and other recognized universities. The change applies to the 2026-27 PhD admission cycle. DU started the Four-Year Undergraduate Program (FYUP) in 2022-23. This was part of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The first group of FYUP students is expected to graduate in 2026.
Eligibility for Direct PhD Admission at DU
The amended ordinance aligns with the UGC's minimum score requirements. Candidates must also clear the UGC-NET or CSIR-NET examination. A departmental personal interview follows before final selection.
| Qualification Route | Minimum Score | Additional Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Four-Year UG with Research | 75 percent or 7.5 CGPA | UGC-NET or CSIR-NET |
| One-Year PG after Four-Year UG | 55 percent or 5.5 CGPA | UGC-NET or CSIR-NET |
| Two-Year PG after Three-Year UG | 55 percent or 5.5 CGPA | UGC-NET or CSIR-NET |
| MPhil Degree | 55 percent or 5.5 CGPA | UGC-NET or CSIR-NET |
A 5 percent relaxation applies to SC, ST, OBC-NCL, PwD, and EWS candidates. All applicants must appear for a department-level interview at DU.
Concerns Raised by Academic Council Members
Two members of the Academic Council, Maya John and Latika Gupta, submitted a note of disagreement with the new rules. They pointed out three main concerns. The first issue is about reservation. The note says the new rules do not clearly state how reservation will apply to FYUP students. The second issue is about groupings. The members believe FYUP students are a separate group and mixing them with master’s and MPhil students might affect the reservation policy. The third issue is about funding. The new rule limits non-JRF fellowships to 16 plus 1 per department. The AC members argue this leaves other PhD students without proper financial support. The dissent note will be looked into by the DU Executive Council.
How to Apply for PhD Admission at DU
The application window for the current PhD cycle opened on July 12, 2026. Candidates interested in applying should go through the official DU admission portal. Here are the steps to complete the application.
- Visit the DU admission portal and register with a valid email address.
- Fill in your personal, academic, and category information.
- Upload scanned copies of your NET score card and your degree certificate.
- Pay the non-refundable registration fee of Rs 750 online.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page.
Action Plan for Candidates
- Visit the DU admission portal at du.ac.in for the full details of the ordinance.
- Ensure your four-year UG marks meet the 75% cut-off.
- Register for the UGC-NET or CSIR-NET if you haven't already qualified.
- Keep your degree certificate, NET score card, and proof of category ready.
- Arrange the Rs 750 registration fee and submit the application online.