For many years, alumni of the University of Delhi’s Master of Operational Research (MOR) program have faced a significant challenge: they possess a degree that, while academically rigorous and relevant to the industry, is absent from the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) list of approved degrees. Recent information from The Indian Express indicates that the university is considering a name change for the program.
Sources reveal that the Department of Operational Research has formally suggested revising the title from “Master of Operational Research” to “MSc (Operational Research)” under the Faculty of Mathematical Sciences, a designation that is recognized by the UGC.
This issue is particularly noteworthy given the program’s history, which dates back to its inception in 1963. Initially, students were awarded an MSc degree upon completion of their studies. However, the title was changed in 2019, despite it not being listed among the UGC’s approved degrees as per the Gazette Notification issued in 2014.
The change occurred alongside the implementation of the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), which led to modifications in the program’s structure and name. The revised curriculum and new title received the necessary approvals from the Academic Council and Executive Council in July 2019.
Recently, the department reached out to the university for assistance as graduates began to encounter difficulties linked to the degree’s designation. They highlighted that those who completed the program were struggling to advance their academic and professional paths due to the degree’s absence from the UGC’s official list.
Kishor Kumar Aggarwal, Head of the Department of Operational Research, noted, “The nomenclature was altered a few years back, but there were administrative challenges. It was not included in the UGC’s approved degree list. Graduates have reported difficulties in job applications, particularly in government examinations and organizations that specifically require an MSc degree.” He further stated, “Given these challenges, the department has proposed reverting to the previous title of M.Sc. (Operational Research), which had been in use for nearly four decades before the 2019 change.”
The department has also sought retroactive recognition, urging that “all degrees conferred under the title ‘Master of Operational Research’ be considered equivalent to MSc (Operational Research) for all academic and professional purposes,” a move intended to protect the interests of past graduates.
The proposal for the name change has already undergone several layers of approval, from the Departmental Council to the Committee of Courses, and subsequently through the Dean of the Faculty of Mathematical Sciences before receiving clearance from the competent authority on January 2, 2026. It is set to be presented to the Academic Council, the university’s highest decision-making body, next week.
Importantly, the department has emphasized that this change pertains solely to the program’s nomenclature, with no alterations to the curriculum, duration, or eligibility criteria.
The implications of this change are also significant in the broader context beyond Delhi University. A faculty member from IIT Bombay’s Department of Industrial Engineering and Operational Research, who has extensive experience in the field, remarked, “Many job openings and research opportunities require either an MTech or an MSc; most institutions might undervalue an Operational Research course that lacks the MSc designation. At IIT Bombay, we have offered our Operational Research course under the MSc label since 2009, and this change could positively influence the opportunities available to students in the future.”
The DU program spans two years and comprises four semesters, designed to establish a solid theoretical foundation before advancing into specialization and practical application. The first year covers core analytical subjects such as linear programming and inventory management, while the second year focuses on advanced topics, including mathematical programming and software engineering. A notable component is the final-semester industrial project, where students collaborate with companies to address real operational challenges.
According to the university’s website, the program “equips students from various backgrounds for successful careers as operational research analysts, data scientists, and consultants.” It offers “a distinctive combination of technical courses, practical consulting skills, and real-world problem-solving experiences.” Central to this curriculum is the Industrial Project, where each student is paired with an industry partner to provide consultation on significant operational issues faced by the organization.
Vidheesha Kuntamalla serves as a Senior Correspondent for The Indian Express in New Delhi, specializing in investigative reporting on higher education policy, international student immigration, and academic freedom at universities. Her work highlights the connections between policy decisions and their impacts on students, faculty, and institutions.
Professional Profile: Vidheesha covers educational matters in Delhi and across the nation, focusing on major public institutions such as the University of Delhi, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia, the IITs, and the IIMs. She also reports extensively on private and government schools within the National Capital Region.
Before joining The Indian Express, she worked as a freelance journalist in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh for over a year, addressing topics related to politics, rural issues, women’s rights, and social justice.
