The Delhi University has announced that it will introduce a Common University Entrance Test (PhD) for admission into its PhD programs starting from the upcoming academic year. This marks a departure from the traditional method of conducting written tests and interviews for PhD admissions.
The decision was made during the Executive Council meeting, where various resolutions were approved, including the introduction of a five-year LLB program.
According to the university’s statement, PhD admissions will now be based on the CUET (PhD)-2023, following recommendations from the Standing Committee of the Academic Council. The university had already implemented the CUET-UG for undergraduate admissions last year and will be using CUET PG for postgraduate admissions. The CUET (PhD)-2023 will be conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), although teaching and non-teaching staff currently serving at the university will still be able to directly appear for interviews.
Furthermore, the Executive Council approved the eligibility conditions and seat matrix recommendations for undergraduate medical science courses (MBBS/BDS) for the academic session 2023-2024. The admission process for the Respiratory Therapy program (MSc) will also be conducted through CUET (PG)-2023.
In addition to these changes, the Executive Council approved the establishment of several new centers and programs. The Centre for Independence and Partition Studies, which aims to research and shed light on lesser-known heroes and events of the freedom movement and the partition of India, received approval. A Tribal Studies Centre, focusing on the multidisciplinary study of various tribes in India, was also approved. Furthermore, the formation of a Hindu Studies Centre and the introduction of a Master of Arts program in Hindu studies were passed during the meeting.
The Executive Council also gave the green light for the Integrated Teacher Education Program (ITEP), which will be a four-year course starting as a pilot project in the academic session 2023-24. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee Mahila College, Mata Sundari Mahila Mahavidyalaya, and Jesus and Mary College have received approval for ITEP from the National Council for Teacher Education (NCTE) for the session 2023-2024.
The education department of DU and eight colleges currently offering the B El Ed course will apply for the ITEP course in the academic year 2024-2025. (With inputs from PTI)
