DU Students Can Now Exit with Degree After 3 Years: New Rules Under NEP 2020

In a landmark reform aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the University of Delhi (DU) has officially rolled out a multiple exit option for students enrolled in its Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP). The move aims to reduce the academic and emotional burden on students who may not be able to complete the full four-year course due to personal, financial, or professional reasons.

What the New Exit Option Means

DU’s new policy allows students to exit the undergraduate course at various stages and still receive an academic qualification. According to the notification issued on July 3, 2025:

Students completing one year (2 semesters) will be awarded a Certificate.

After two years (4 semesters), students will receive a Diploma.

Completion of three years (6 semesters) will now earn students a Bachelor’s Degree (either General or Honours, depending on the program).

Only those completing four full years will be eligible for the Honours with Research degree, which includes a project or dissertation component.

This exit policy ensures that students who cannot or do not wish to continue beyond a certain point are not left without recognition of the work they have completed.

Why This Change Is Important

The University of Delhi has taken this step to bring flexibility to the academic structure and offer students a sense of security in their education journey. With increasing dropout rates and personal challenges faced by students, this policy ensures that their academic effort is not wasted. If a student exits after three years, they won’t leave empty-handed—they will carry a valid degree that can be used for employment or future education.

First Batch to Benefit from the Exit Rule

The timing of the announcement is significant as DU’s first FYUP batch, which was admitted under the NEP 2020 framework in 2022, is now entering its fourth year. Many students from this batch have been eagerly awaiting clarity on the exit policies, especially those not planning to continue into the research-based fourth year. Now, such students can formally exit with a full Honours degree after three years.

How to Apply for Exit

Eligible students who wish to exit after the third year must submit their intent online through the DU portal at slc.uod.ac.in. The university has advised all students to consult their academic mentors and faculty before taking a final call. An informed decision, considering long-term goals and job or further study plans, is strongly encouraged.

Academic Bank of Credits (ABC): Your Credits are Safe

DU is also implementing the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) system, under which students’ earned credits will be digitally stored. This ensures that even if a student pauses their studies, they can resume later (at DU or another NEP-compliant institution) without losing their progress. The ABC system allows seamless credit transfers and promotes lifelong learning flexibility.

Boosting Student Empowerment and Flexibility

This exit framework aligns Indian education with global academic standards, where flexibility and modular learning paths are common. It also reduces the stigma around dropping out, as students now have the option to leave with a recognized qualification at any milestone.

Moreover, it empowers students to make choices based on their needs. Whether it’s entering the job market early, preparing for competitive exams, or switching to different fields of interest, students have greater control over their academic journey.

Expert and Faculty Reactions

DU faculty and academic experts have praised the initiative. They believe this reform will not only reduce dropout anxiety but also improve student engagement and accountability. “Students will now plan their education more strategically, knowing they have meaningful outcomes at every step,” said one DU official.

However, there is also a note of caution: students are advised to think through their decision carefully, as exiting early may limit some postgraduate or research opportunities that require a four-year Honours with Research degree.

Conclusion: A Student-Centric Step Forward

The University of Delhi’s decision to implement the multiple exit system is a progressive step toward building a more flexible, inclusive, and student-centric higher education ecosystem. This move reinforces the core values of NEP 2020 and offers a safety net for students, helping them manage their academic journey without fear of failure or wasted effort.