Delhi University Prioritizes Permanent Faculty, Navigates Academic Reform Amidst Council Dissent
New delhi, December 7, 2025 – Delhi University (DU) is charting a course towards academic stability and quality enhancement, with vice-Chancellor Yogesh Singh strongly advocating for a move away from reliance on temporary and guest faculty. Teh push for regular,twice-yearly recruitment of permanent staff signals a commitment too strengthening the university’s core academic foundation,a move keenly observed by the higher education community. Though, the recent Academic Council (AC) session revealed critically important internal debate surrounding hiring practices, ongoing academic reforms, and recent policy implementations.
This shift in focus comes at a critical juncture for DU, as it navigates the complexities of evolving educational landscapes and strives to maintain its position as a leading institution in India. The vice-Chancellor’s directive to prioritize permanent positions isn’t simply about numbers; it’s about fostering a dedicated, long-term faculty invested in the university’s growth and student success. He also urged colleges facing infrastructural challenges to leverage funding opportunities through the Higher Education Financing Agency (HEFA), but cautioned that access to these funds may be time-limited, emphasizing the need for proactive planning.
PhD Program Overhauled for Enhanced Research Rigor
One key decision emerging from the AC meeting was the approval of significant amendments to PhD coursework guidelines, effective from the 2025-26 academic session. These revisions aim to standardize research training across all departments, establishing a consistent credit requirement of 12-16 credits. Crucially, the new framework mandates core components including robust training in research methodology, publication ethics, and the utilization of modern research tools. This overhaul reflects a broader national emphasis on elevating the quality and impact of doctoral research in India.
“The standardization of PhD coursework is a vital step towards ensuring that our doctoral graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge necessary to contribute meaningfully to their fields,” explains Dr. Anjali Sharma, a seasoned education consultant specializing in higher education policy. “A consistent framework fosters a higher standard of research and prepares students for accomplished academic and professional careers.”
Dissenting Voices Raise Concerns Over Transparency and Policy Implementation
Despite the approval of these key initiatives, the AC session was not without its challenges. AC member Maya John voiced strong dissent, raising critical concerns regarding several key areas. Her detailed dissent note specifically criticized the university’s decision to contest a Delhi High Court order regarding the regularization of ad-hoc teachers in the Department of germanic and Romance Studies, calling for the withdrawal of the Special Leave Petition and demanding greater transparency and fairness in all faculty appointments. This issue highlights the ongoing debate surrounding the rights and job security of ad-hoc teachers in Indian universities.
John also raised concerns regarding anomalies within the Four-Year Undergraduate Program (FYUP), inconsistencies in General Elective (GE) notifications, and limited options for BA Multidisciplinary students. Furthermore, she flagged alleged irregularities in the screening and interview processes for permanent positions, advocating for a thorough fact-finding committee to investigate these claims.These concerns underscore the importance of robust internal oversight and accountability within the university governance.
Faculty representatives also expressed opposition to the newly introduced Academic Performance Indicator (API) benchmarks for guest faculty, arguing they were unfairly applied. Concerns were also raised regarding the retrospective request of travel-grant guidelines, highlighting a need for clearer communication and procedural consistency.
Expanding Affiliations & Addressing Student Concerns
In a positive advancement, the council approved DU’s affiliation for nine postgraduate medical courses at the Indian Railways Post-Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (IRPGIMSR). This expansion, pending approval from the National Medical Commission, will broaden access to specialized medical training.
However, concerns remain regarding the clarity and practicality of certain undergraduate requirements. Specifically, issues were raised regarding the fourth-year dissertation guidelines, including the demanding requirement of a 120-page translation component, dual external evaluation for the entrepreneurship track, and the logistical challenges of mandatory geotagged video submissions. Faculty and students alike have expressed uncertainty about meeting these requirements, highlighting the need for a more pragmatic and supportive approach to assessment.
Looking Ahead: Balancing Reform with Stability
Delhi University’s current trajectory reflects a complex interplay between enterprising academic reform and the need to address longstanding issues of faculty stability and procedural fairness. The vice-Chancellor’s commitment to permanent faculty recruitment is a positive step, but its success will depend on addressing the concerns raised by faculty representatives and ensuring a transparent and equitable hiring process.
The university’s ability to navigate these challenges will be crucial in maintaining its reputation as a leading center of learning and research in india. Continued dialog, open communication, and a
