The University of Delhi (DU) has officially introduced a significant policy change that allows students to pursue two degree programmes simultaneously within the university. This initiative is aimed at providing greater academic flexibility and opportunities for students to enhance their learning experiences.
According to a recent notification from the university, students can enroll in one degree through the regular mode at any DU college or department, while simultaneously pursuing a second degree through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) offered by the School of Open Learning. This dual degree option is available to both current and prospective students at DU.
However, it is essential to note that students are prohibited from pursuing two similar degrees, such as BCom (Hons) and BCom (Pass), even if one is obtained through the ODL mode. This restriction aims to maintain the integrity and uniqueness of each programme.
Students opting for dual degrees are required to meet the academic requirements for each programme separately. This includes attending classes, completing assignments, delivering presentations, passing assessments, and fulfilling promotion criteria for both programmes.
To prevent the duplication of mandatory courses, students must first complete the compulsory courses for the programme they enroll in, whether it is in the regular or ODL mode. If the second programme includes similar courses, they will be replaced with appropriate alternatives.
For undergraduate programmes, students must complete mandatory courses such as Environmental Science (EVS) and Ability Enhancement Courses (AEC) as part of the first programme they enroll in. If these courses are also required in the second degree, they will be substituted with relevant alternatives.
For example, if a student enrolls in a regular undergraduate programme, they will take AEC language and EVS courses for that programme. In contrast, for the ODL degree, they can choose a different AEC language or opt for Skill Enhancement Courses (SEC) or Value Addition Courses (VAC).
If a student is pursuing two BA degrees, they may select courses from the Generic Elective (GE) pool instead of repeating a Generic Elective (Language) course.
For students completing a research theme or project in their fourth year, it is mandatory that each degree’s project or theme be unique. Additionally, it is important to note that credits earned from the two programmes cannot be combined to obtain a major or minor in any discipline. This ensures that each programme maintains its distinct academic integrity.
This new dual degree policy at the University of Delhi opens up exciting opportunities for students, enabling them to diversify their academic pursuits and develop a broader skill set. As the university continues to evolve and adapt to the needs of its student body, this initiative is expected to enhance the overall educational experience at DU.