DU Opens Admissions for One-Year PG Programmes for First Time

Kalpana Kanungo - Mumbai Bureau Jul 06, 2026 1,850 Views

Delhi University has initiated registrations for its inaugural one-year postgraduate programmes, open until July 11, 2026. Available exclusively to four-year undergraduate alumni from the university, this merit-based admission track aligns with NEP 2020 goals, providing an accelerated pathway for students to obtain their master's degree in a single year.

The University of Delhi (DU) officially commenced the registration process for its inaugural one-year postgraduate (PG) programmes on July 5, 2026. This landmark move marks the first time the institution has offered a condensed master's degree, a strategic shift designed to streamline higher education for students who have completed a four-year undergraduate curriculum.

The application window for these new programmes opened yesterday and is scheduled to close on July 11, 2026. This development is a direct result of the university’s commitment to the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF) 2022, which aligns with the structural reforms introduced by India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Academic Reforms and Eligibility

The introduction of the one-year master's degree represents a significant departure from the conventional two-year postgraduate model. University officials clarified that this accelerated pathway is available exclusively to students who have completed a four-year undergraduate degree from the University of Delhi under the UGCF framework.

Unlike the traditional two-year PG courses, which largely rely on the Common University Entrance Test for Postgraduate Programmes (CUET-PG), admissions for the new one-year PG programmes will be determined based on merit. Applicants will be assessed according to the merit scores obtained during their four-year bachelor’s degree, provided they meet the specific eligibility criteria for their chosen course.

Streamlining the Admission Process

To facilitate this new intake, the university has launched a dedicated PG admission portal. Candidates are required to provide their official University of Delhi enrolment number and date of birth to initiate the registration process.

According to the university’s recent notifications, the application procedure involves a systematic submission process:

Portal Access: Candidates must visit the official DU PG admission portal.
Authentication: Log in using registered credentials, including the UoD enrolment number.
Programme Selection: Select the desired one-year postgraduate course.
Submission: Fill in the application form, upload required documentation, and verify all details before final submission.

Impact on Students and Academic Structure

For students, this one-year PG programme offers an efficient route to advanced studies, effectively shaving a year off the time required to earn a master's degree. By leveraging the credits earned during the four-year undergraduate programme, eligible students can transition more rapidly into specialized fields or the professional workforce.

While this new category of admissions proceeds, the university continues to manage its ongoing two-year PG admissions cycle, which has already processed approximately 9,500 admissions. Additionally, the university has opened applications for two-year MSc programmes specifically for candidates who have qualified for the Graduate Aptitude Test-Biotechnology (GAT-B) 2026.

Official Sources

University of Delhi: Official PG Admissions Portal and Application Registration Page.
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020: Guidelines regarding the implementation of the four-year undergraduate framework and one-year postgraduate degree structures.

Why It Matters

The shift to a one-year master's model is a key milestone in India's broader higher education reform. It provides students with greater flexibility and reduces the time investment required for postgraduate specialization. By rewarding students who opted for four-year undergraduate research or major-focused degrees, the university is incentivizing deeper academic engagement at the undergraduate level while ensuring a faster pipeline to advanced scholarly or career goals.

Key Facts at a Glance

Registration Start: July 5, 2026.
Registration Deadline: July 11, 2026 (11:59 PM).
Eligibility: Exclusively for Delhi University students who have completed a four-year undergraduate degree under the UGCF 2022.
Admission Basis: Merit-based, determined by academic performance in the four-year bachelor's programme.
Portal: Applications must be submitted through the dedicated DU PG portal.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can students from other universities apply for the one-year PG programme?

No. At present, the one-year postgraduate programme is restricted to students who have completed their four-year undergraduate degree specifically from the University of Delhi under the UGCF 2022 framework.

2. Does this affect the standard two-year master's degrees?

No. The university continues to offer traditional two-year master’s programmes, which generally require qualification through the CUET-PG.

3. What happens if I miss the July 11 deadline?

The university has indicated that the registration window is firm. Candidates are advised to complete their applications before the July 11 cutoff to avoid missing the opportunity for the current academic session.

4. How is the merit calculated for these admissions?

Admission is based on the merit scores achieved during the four-year undergraduate degree, in accordance with the specific eligibility conditions published in the university's bulletin of information.

Source: University of Delhi Admissions Portal, The Indian Express, The Times of India