The University of Delhi (DU) has officially introduced the One-Year Postgraduate (PG) Programmes from the 2026-27 academic session. Among the newly introduced programmes are MA Psychology and MA Applied Psychology, offering eligible Delhi University graduates an opportunity to complete their master’s degree in one year.
This announcement opens up new pathways for psychology students, especially those of Delhi University, but also raises questions about eligibility, admission, number of seats, and who can actually take admission into these programmes.
In this article, we try to answer the important questions related to DU’s One-Year Master’s Programmes in Psychology.
Offered Psychology Programmes
Currently, under the One-Year Master’s Programmes, the DU offers the following two programmes in Psychology:
- MA in Psychology
| Category | UR | SC | ST | OBC-NCL | EWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seats | 14 | 5 | 3 | 9 | 4 |
- MA in Applied Psychology (South Campus)
| Category | UR | SC | ST | OBC-NCL | EWS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seats | 7 | 2 | 1 | 4 | 2 |
NOTE: The seats may change according to the rules and regulations of DU. Students are advised to always check with the respective department for updated information, or they can connect with UPS Education.
Who Can Apply?
For the 2026-27 admissions cycle,
- The One-Year Master’s Programmes are only open to candidates who have completed a Four-Year Undergraduate Programme from Delhi University and satisfy the program-specific eligibility criteria.
- Students of DU’s School of Open Learning & Non-Collegiate Women Education Board (NCWEB) are also eligible, provided they have, too, completed a Four-Year Undergraduate Programme and satisfy the program-specific eligibility criteria.
- Currently, the One-Year Master’s Programmes are exclusively open to students of DU; students from other universities, even if they have a Four-Year Undergraduate Programme degree, are not eligible.
Programme-Specific Eligibility
To be eligible for admission to DU’s One-Year Master’s in Psychology or Applied Psychology programmes, candidates must have completed either:
- A Four-Year Bachelor’s Honours Degree with Research in Psychology or Applied Psychology, or
- A Four-Year Bachelor’s Degree with a Major in Psychology or Applied Psychology,
from the University of Delhi.
According to the official prospectus, the applicants are classified into four eligibility categories (P1–P4), based on the type of undergraduate degree completed and the minimum marks obtained. These eligibility categories apply to both MA Psychology and MA Applied Psychology.
| Priority | Qualification | Minimum Marks (UR/OBC-NCL/EWS) | Minimum Marks (SC/ST/PwBD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| P1 | Four-Year Bachelor’s Honours with Research in Psychology/Applied Psychology | 60% | 55% |
| P2 | Four-Year Bachelor’s Degree with a Major in Psychology/Applied Psychology | 60% | 55% |
| P3 | Four-Year Bachelor’s Honours with Research in Psychology/Applied Psychology | 55% | 50% |
| P4 | Four-Year Bachelor’s Degree with a Major in Psychology/Applied Psychology | 55% | 50% |
How will Admissions Be Conducted?
Unlike the two-year master’s programmes, admissions to DU One-year Master’s Programmes do not require the CUET-PG exam.
- Admission will be conducted purely on merit, based on the marks obtained by the candidate in the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme at DU, and will also be subject to the fulfilment of program-specific eligibility criteria.
- The application process will be conducted online through the University of Delhi’s postgraduate admission portal.
One-Year Master’s Programmes vs Two-Year Master’s Programmes: What’s the Difference?
| Feature | One-Year Master’s Program | Two-Year Master’s Program |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 1 Year | 2 Years |
| Who Can Apply? | Only students who have completed a Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) from the University of Delhi | Students eligible under the regular postgraduate admission criteria (depending on the university and admission policy) |
| Admission Process | Merit-based (based on FYUP performance) | Usually through CUET-PG or university-specific admission process |
| Academic Framework | Designed under NEP 2020 and UGC’s Postgraduate Curriculum Framework | Based on the conventional postgraduate curriculum |
| Purpose | Builds upon the additional coursework and research completed during the fourth year of FYUP | Provides complete postgraduate training over two academic years |
| Ideal For | DU FYUP graduates who wish to complete their master’s in a shorter duration | Students from three-year bachelor’s programmes or those not eligible for the one-year pathway |
| Awarded Degree | MA Psychology/MA Applied Psychology | MA Psychology/MA Applied Psychology |
Important Note: The One-Year Master’s Program is not a shortened version of the traditional two-year program. It builds upon the advanced coursework and research completed during the fourth year of the FYUP.
Need More Help?
Need guidance with the application process or preparation? Connect with the experts at UPS Education for personalized assistance.
Contact Number: +91-9899599967
Website: upseducation.in
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is CUET-PG required?
No. Admissions to the One-Year Master’s programmes are merit-based and depend on the marks obtained in the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme.
2. Can students from other universities apply?
No. For the 2026–27 admission cycle, only graduates of the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme from the University of Delhi are eligible.
3. Are both Psychology and Applied Psychology available?
Yes. Delhi University is offering M.A. Psychology and M.A. Applied Psychology under the One-Year Postgraduate framework.
4. Can SOL and NCWEB students apply?
Yes, provided they have completed the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme under UGCF 2022 and satisfy the programme-specific eligibility criteria.
5. Will the One-Year Master’s replace the regular Two-Year Master’s?
No. The One-Year Master’s is an additional pathway specifically designed for eligible FYUP graduates. Students who do not meet the eligibility criteria will continue to follow the regular postgraduate admission route available to them.
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