New Delhi: More than 55 per cent of eligible students at Delhi University have chosen to continue into the fourth year of studies under the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP), ahead of the new academic session starting August 1.

According to DU Vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh, around 31,004 of the approximately 71,000 students eligible to proceed have opted out, meaning that a majority — over 55 per cent — have decided to pursue the optional final year.

“It is as per our expectations. We expected the same kind of numbers. We are all prepared for this new beginning,” Singh told PTI.

Introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the FYUP allows students to exit the programme after one, two, or three years with a certificate, diploma, or degree respectively. Students who complete the fourth year are awarded an 'Honours with Research' degree, which places emphasis on research, entrepreneurship, and skill-based learning.

Calling the fourth year a “game changer”, Singh said, “This is the first time the focus is on research, entrepreneurship and skill.”

The fourth year of the FYUP is being implemented for the first time this academic year. While the university considers the participation encouraging, some teachers' associations and educationists have voiced concerns over the programme's structure and feasibility.

Critics have cited risks of student dropouts, inadequate infrastructure, lack of curricular clarity, faculty overload, and limited funding to support the programme's expanded scope.

Addressing these concerns, the VC said, “Don't worry. If facilities are not available, they will be created. It is in the interest of our students.”

He assured students and parents that all necessary arrangements have been made for both incoming first-year students and those entering the fourth year.

“It is a matter of happiness that one of the country's best higher education institutions is going to start another academic year. We will welcome our students with open arms,” he added.