Delhi University is considering removing certain subjects from its postgraduate programmes' syllabus, particularly those focusing on Pakistan, China, Islam, and Political Violence. During a meeting on Wednesday, the Postgraduate Curriculum Framework (PGCF), the Standing Committee for Academic Matters, directed the removal of four discipline-selective electives (DSEs) — Islam and International Relations, Pakistan and the World, China's Role in the Contemporary World, and State and Society in Pakistan. A fifth paper, Religious Nationalism and Political Violence, will be reviewed at the next SCOM meeting scheduled for July 1.
The DSEs were part of the draft postgraduate curriculum under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. To be sure, these papers have not been taught to students yet. One of the committee members said, The papers were asked to be completely dropped, and the department was asked to reform the syllabus.
Faculty members criticise the move
Subsequently, some faculty members oppose this decision. Some supporters of the change describe it as ideological censorship or accuse it of making the syllabus "India-centric" and biased.
Committee member Professor Monami Sinha stated that removing facts from the syllabus means students would lose the opportunity to understand the political climate of the current world, which is determinant in turn. "We argued that it is imperative to study Pakistan and China in detail. Ignoring these geopolitical realities would be academically short-sighted," she said. She also highlighted the removal of references to caste, communal violence, and same-sex relationships in the revised syllabi for Sociology and Geography.
In contrast, Professor Harendra Tiwari, another committee member, supported the amendments, criticising the syllabus as "agenda-driven" and lacking balance. "Why only a paper on Islam and International Relations? Why not on Hinduism or Sikhism? We want a syllabus that benefits students and our nation," he told PTI. He added that the dropped papers will not be reinstated unless the revised syllabus adopts an "India-first" perspective.
Revised syllabus to be framed
According to ANI, the standing committee does not have the final say on changes to the syllabus. Once recommendations are made, the syllabus will return to the respective departments for revision. The respective department committee will reframe the syllabus and then present it to the academic council, which is DU's highest academic body, and subsequently to the executive council. The Academic councill is scheduled to take place on July 5, 2025.
