The University of Delhi has recently announced a new policy according to which students are allowed the permission to enroll in two academic programs at the same time within the university. This dual degree will start from the academic session of 2024-25 at Delhi University.
According to this initiative, students can get one degree through the regular mode of college and another through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) at School of Open Learning (SOL). Although students cannot take two similar courses like B.Com (hons.) and B.Com (pass), instead of this, students can choose degrees that would encourage them and enhance their interdisciplinary study and research.
Students who are deciding to pursue dual degree in unison will need to meet all the academic requirements for both the courses seperately such as attending classes, submission of assignments, completion of internal assessments etc. Hence, credit earned in one program will not be applied to the another program.
Whether it’s in regular or ODL mode, students are needed to complete the compulsory courses of the program they are enrolled in first, and in the second program, these compulsory courses will be replaced with the suitable alternative. For example, if a student is pursuing the regular mode first, then the compulsory courses for that program will take priority. Likewise, if the particualr student is enrolled in ODL program first, then ODL’s compulsory courses will come first. Another instance, course like Environmental Science need to be completed only once as it’s a compulsory course and then substitutions of this will be given in the second program.
Alothough balancing classses for both program could be challenging but after effects could be worth it. Students can also transfer their credits from one course to another under some circumstances and guidelines but only for specific courses.
The dual degree policy was initially approved in the Academic Council meeting held in November, 2023. This initiative was a part of plan to align the university’s academic structure with the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This policy is expected to increase the students academic skills and also enhances their employment rate and status. Delhi University is also exploring joint degree schemes with foreign institutions.
Students should base their decision to pursue a dual degree on their career goals, academic interests and ability to manage the demands of two separate degrees. Students must think before taking any step further in this policy as it could also impact their extracurricular activities such as internships, any hobby students are working upon and their personal lives.