Delhi University allows students to pause and resume UG degrees: Here’s how the new NEP rule works
The University of Delhi has rolled out a new academic framework that allows undergraduate students to pause and resume their degree programmes, in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Under the Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit (ME-ME) scheme, students can now exit after completing any even semester, and re-enter within a stipulated period to complete their degree, without losing previously earned credits.This shift, implemented through the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF) 2022, aims to make higher education more flexible and student-friendly, particularly for learners who may need to take time off due to financial, personal or career-related reasons.
What does the ME-ME system mean for students?
At its core, the ME-ME framework gives students the autonomy to plan their academic journey. Those enrolled in a full-time undergraduate programme at DU now have the option to:
- Exit after Year 1 (Semester II) with an Undergraduate Certificate, if they have earned at least 44 credits.
- Exit after Year 2 (Semester IV) with an Undergraduate Diploma, upon earning 88 credits.
- Exit after Year 3 (Semester VI) with a Bachelor’s Degree, after completing 132 credits.
- Continue till Year 4 (Semester VIII) to graduate with a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours, Honours with Research, or Honours with Entrepreneurship, subject to earning 176 credits.
Credits are calculated based on contact hours, one credit typically equates to one hour of classroom teaching or two hours of lab/field work per week. A full academic year is structured around 1200 learning hours.
What happens if a student takes a break?
Students who choose to pause their studies can rejoin the same programme in the same college within a maximum of seven years, provided their previously earned credits are still valid.The credit validity depends on the level at which the student exited:
- For students exiting after the first year, credits remain valid for up to three years.
- For those who exit after the second or third year, credit validity may extend up to four years, depending on the qualification level and course requirements.
For example, a student who earns an undergraduate certificate after Year 1 and re-enters within three years can resume from Year 2 and eventually complete the full four-year honours degree, provided they meet the cumulative credit requirement.
Planning ahead: What students should keep in mind
DU has advised students to apply before the start of the next academic session if they intend to exit. In cases where a student leaves mid-session, only the qualification corresponding to the last completed academic year will be considered.The university has also clarified that any disputes or issues related to implementation will be addressed by the Vice Chancellor, whose decision will be final. Separate guidelines for lateral entry from other institutions are expected to be released in future updates.
Why this matters in 2025
For many undergraduate students in 2025, education is no longer a straight line. Internships, competitive exams, entrepreneurial ventures, family responsibilities, or health concerns often require temporary academic breaks. In this context, the ME-ME system brings a structured pathway for students to step out without derailing their long-term academic goals.By building flexibility into the system, the policy aims to reduce dropout rates, support interdisciplinary learning, and recognise partial academic achievement, all while aligning Indian higher education with global standards.For students weighing options after school or mid-degree, DU’s latest guidelines mark a significant shift towards a more modular, inclusive model of undergraduate education.(with inputs from PTI)TOI Education is on WhatsApp now. Follow us here.
