New Delhi: Delhi University has revised its fee refund policy to address issues arising from academic reforms under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, including the four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP) and the multiple entry-exit framework. The policy lays down clear rules for students exiting programmes midway and introduces a formal refund mechanism for PhD scholars for the first time.The revised policy, which will come into effect from the 2026-27 academic session ahead of the upcoming undergraduate admissions cycle, spells out the circumstances under which students will be eligible for full, partial or no fee refund. It will apply across colleges, faculties, departments and centres, as well as the Non-Collegiate Women’s Education Board and the School of Open Learning.Haneet Gandhi, dean, admissions, Delhi University, said the changes reflect the university’s evolving academic structure under the NEP.“The implementation of NEP 2020 has significantly altered Delhi University’s academic framework, particularly with the introduction of the four-year undergraduate programme and the multiple entry-exit system. The revised refund policy addresses scenarios arising from these changes and provides clarity on fee refunds at different stages of a student’s academic journey. Provisions relating to PhD admissions and other categories have also been added to make it more comprehensive and transparent,” Gandhi told TOI.Under the new rules, students who withdraw during the first, or odd, semester — usually the semester in which a student joins a programme — on or before 30 days from the start of classes will be entitled to a full refund of fees. No fee refund will be granted if withdrawal occurs after 30 days, though examination fee refunds may be available depending on the timing.Students exiting an undergraduate programme after three years without opting for the fourth year of FYUP, or leaving midway under the multiple entry-exit framework, will be governed by the same semester-wise refund provisions.The notification also clarifies rules linked to examination timelines. Students withdrawing at least 30 days before examinations will be eligible for a full refund of examination fees. No refund, including examination fees, will be admissible if withdrawal occurs within 30 days of exams.Apart from NEP-related exits, the university has retained its general admission withdrawal rules.The policy also introduces a dedicated refund framework for PhD scholars. Doctoral candidates withdrawing before the last date of admission of their respective phase, with approval of the head of the department, will be eligible for a full refund. A 50% refund will be granted if withdrawal occurs within 15 days after the admission deadline, with no refund admissible beyond that period.The university has outlined several special cases as well. The university has also specified that in the event of a student’s death after admission, the entire fee, including examination fees for the relevant semester or academic year, will be refunded to the parents or legal guardians. Students who seek readmission or re-entry after exiting a programme will be required to pay fees as per the prevailing fee structure at the time of re-entry.
