If you've just joined Delhi University, your timetable probably looks like alphabet soup: DSC-1, GE-2, SEC-3, VAC-1, AEC. Here's what each of those actually means, how your papers are marked, and how to read your paper codes — so you never download the wrong previous year paper again.
Why DU's pattern changed
Since 2022, DU follows the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF) under NEP 2020, replacing the older CBCS system. The big difference: instead of just "core" and "elective" papers, every semester now mixes discipline papers with skill, value-addition and language courses — each carrying its own credits.
The paper types (and their credits)
Every semester is built from these categories. Credits are from DU's official UGCF structure:
| Paper type | Full form | Credits | What it is |
|---|---|---|---|
| DSC | Discipline Specific Core | 4 | Your main subject papers (e.g. Financial Accounting for B.Com) |
| DSE | Discipline Specific Elective | 4 | Electives within your discipline, from later semesters |
| GE | Generic Elective | 4 | A paper from another discipline entirely |
| AEC | Ability Enhancement Course | 2 | Languages (e.g. Hindi, English) or Environmental Science |
| SEC | Skill Enhancement Course | 2 | Practical, skill-based papers |
| VAC | Value Addition Course | 2 | Short value-based courses |
| IAPC | Internship / Apprenticeship / Project / Community Outreach | 2 | Hands-on work component |
Total: 22 credits per semester. Hit 44 credits and you can exit after one year with an Undergraduate Certificate; 88 credits after two years gets you an Undergraduate Diploma.
The practical takeaway: your 4-credit DSC papers carry double the weight of a 2-credit SEC or VAC — both in your timetable and in your SGPA. But don't ignore the small ones: SEC, VAC and AEC papers have compact syllabi and are genuinely high-scoring, which makes them the easiest marks of your semester.
How each paper is marked: 75 + 25
For most theory papers, your final score splits into two parts:
- End-semester exam: 75% — the written paper you sit for at the end of the term (usually 3 hours for theory papers).
- Internal Assessment (IA): 25% — earned during the semester, typically split as:
- Attendance: 5 marks — yes, just showing up earns marks (85%+ attendance gets the full 5)
- Written assignments: 10 marks
- Class tests / quizzes: 10 marks
That 25% is the most predictable chunk of marks in your entire degree. Students who take internals seriously walk into every end-semester exam already a quarter of the way to a good grade.
How to read your paper code
Your paper code (printed on your syllabus, date sheet and admit card) usually looks like this: category + number, e.g. DSC-1, GE-2, SEC-3, VAC-1.
To use it correctly:
- Find the code on your official syllabus first — DU's Academic Affairs site (academicaffairs.du.ac.in) hosts the official PDFs. Your college handout works too.
- Match the exact code when looking for study material. DSC-1 in Semester 1 and DSC-4 in Semester 2 can be completely different papers.
- Check the scheme year. This is the critical one (see below).
On Sulaksh, papers are organised the way DU teaches — by course, semester and paper — so once you know your paper code, you can jump straight to its syllabus, notes and PYQs. For example, B.Com students can head to the B.Com Programme PYQ hub and pick their semester.
CBCS vs UGCF: the caution that saves marks
Because the pattern changed in 2022, old question papers don't always match your syllabus:
- PYQs from 2023–2025 follow the current UGCF pattern — these are your gold standard.
- Older CBCS-era papers may cover different topics, different unit splits, or papers that no longer exist.
Before revising from any previous year paper, cross-check its paper code against your current syllabus. A paper with a similar name from 2019 can look right and still test the wrong units.
Quick checklist
- I know which of my papers are DSC, GE, SEC, VAC and AEC
- I know my 4-credit papers (they move my SGPA most)
- I'm tracking my internal assessment marks through the semester
- I match paper codes to my current syllabus before using old papers
- I prioritise 2023–2025 PYQs for the UGCF pattern