The University of Delhi (DU) granted a one-time exemption to students admitted in the 2025-26 academic year from the requirement of securing at least 28 of the 44 prescribed credits for promotion. The exemption means that students who have not met the 28-credit threshold will not be denied promotion on that ground. The DU has not specified the reason for relaxation, but it has raised concerns from the faculty over students’ academic preparedness, potential learning gaps, and the consistency and timing of DU’s promotion criteria.While the exemption may relieve students who struggled to meet the earlier requirement of securing at least 28 credits out of 44, DU has not specified an alternative minimum credit threshold. “The move is aimed at making the system more student-friendly, particularly for those who are late entrants to DU. In the past year, several seats remained vacant across language subjects,” says Vikas Gupta, registrar, DU, adding, “The University’s decision to relax the promotion rule is aimed at providing students an opportunity, as they often take time to understand the internal academic regulations”.Predictability and Transparency
The faculty, however, are not convinced; they argue that exempting only one batch may invite similar requests from other batches. “Students should know exam and promotion rules well in advance so that they can assess their academic trajectory accordingly. Changing the criteria after exams and result declaration, therefore, raises questions about predictability and transparency in the University’s academic system,” says Abha Dev Habib, associate professor, Miranda House.
In science programmes, several courses involve practical components and foundational knowledge required for subsequent semesters. “Allowing students to progress with a large backlog could result in learning gaps, reduced confidence and greater academic pressure later. Students may eventually have to clear these papers, but the backlog is simply being carried forward. Repeatedly lowering academic thresholds could eventually dilute the value of a university degree,” says Prof Habib, adding, “Students may fail for different reasons, including absenteeism and competing examinations, as well as academic difficulties or personal hardship. Without data on these factors, a blanket relaxation may address the outcome without addressing the cause.”
Additionally, students who worked hard and scored higher marks may also become demotivated. “Change in the promotion criteria is unfair to students who worked hard and met the original yardstick. Students promoted with credit gaps may find it difficult to bridge them in later years. Furthermore, the University must introduce such changes after discussion with the Executive Council (EC) and the Academic Council,” says Mithuraaj Dhusia, assistant professor, Hans Raj College, DU and member of the University’s EC.
