Delhi University is set to introduce a pioneering course titled “Intimate Relationships: How to Make Them Work” for undergraduate students starting in the 2025–26 academic session. Designed by the Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC), the course takes a fresh and research-backed approach to relationship education—a long-neglected area in Indian academia.
The initiative reflects a broader shift in how emotional education is being prioritized at the university level, especially for Gen Z, who are navigating complex relationship dynamics in the digital age.
What Is the ‘Intimate Relationships’ Course All About?
This General Elective (GE) course is open to students across all colleges and streams under Delhi University. Unlike traditional elective subjects, this course focuses on the emotional, psychological, and social dimensions of modern relationships, offering insights on:
- Building and maintaining healthy emotional bonds
- Communicating effectively and empathetically
- Recognizing and addressing toxic behavior patterns
- Understanding the role of consent and boundaries
- Navigating relationships in a digital-first world
The emphasis is on self-awareness, empathy, and practical skills that are applicable across personal and social settings.
Why Introduce a Relationship Course in a University Curriculum?
This course is a direct response to several interconnected concerns observed on Indian campuses:
- Rising emotional distress linked to personal relationships
- The absence of formal education on consent, empathy, and communication
- Mental health issues related to relationship trauma, breakups, and peer pressure
- A desire among students for safe spaces to discuss and reflect on these issues
Rather than offering moral guidance, the course draws upon interdisciplinary academic frameworks—sociology, psychology, gender studies, and cultural studies—to explore relationships in a structured, research-based manner.
Topics and Curriculum Structure
The course aims to provide a well-rounded and inclusive understanding of intimate relationships. It uses participatory learning methods, such as role-plays, journaling, discussions, and reflection exercises. A detailed look at the possible module structure is provided below.
| Module | Focus Area |
|---|---|
| Understanding Modern Love | Perspectives on dating, love, and identity in the Gen Z context |
| Healthy vs. Toxic Relationships | Identifying red flags, building mutual respect, emotional boundaries |
| Communication in Intimacy | Listening, expressing needs, resolving conflict non-violently |
| Consent, Gender, and Emotional Boundaries | Exploring power, respect, agency, and equality in intimate interactions |
| Online Dating and Social Media | Examining the impact of digital behavior, apps, ghosting, and performative love |
| Coping with Breakups | Emotional regulation, grief, closure, and rebuilding |
| Cultural and Social Conditioning | How caste, class, gender roles, and family expectations influence relationships |
| Queer Relationships and Identity | Inclusive exploration of non-heteronormative experiences and challenges |
The curriculum is expected to include assessment components such as reflection papers, group work, classroom engagement, and possibly short projects.
Who Can Enroll and How Will It Be Offered?
- Eligibility: Open to all DU undergraduate students, regardless of their stream or college
- Type: General Elective (GE) under the CBCS (Choice-Based Credit System)
- Availability: Beginning with the 2025–26 academic year
- Duration: One semester (approx. 16 weeks)
- Assessment: Based on participation, coursework, and applied understanding (final format to be confirmed)
The course will likely be conducted both in classroom and workshop formats, supported by trained faculty, counselors, and professionals from the mental wellness and relationship education fields.
Academic and Cultural Relevance
While Indian institutions have traditionally avoided addressing personal and emotional education, Delhi University’s move signals a progressive shift. It mirrors a broader global trend where universities in countries like the US, UK, and Canada offer electives on emotional intelligence, relationship ethics, and consent.
In Indian colleges, relationship-related challenges often remain taboo, despite the real impact they have on student wellbeing. This course bridges that gap by:
- Encouraging open, judgment-free dialogue
- Offering scientific frameworks and real-life case studies
- Creating awareness around mental and emotional self-care
- Reducing stigma associated with breakup distress, emotional vulnerability, and seeking help
Implications for Students in Delhi and Beyond
The course addresses several search queries and student concerns that have increasingly emerged online, such as:
- How to handle relationship problems in college
- Signs of a toxic relationship
- How to cope with heartbreak and loneliness as a student
- Setting boundaries in dating
- Dating in college in India or Delhi University
- Mental health support and relationship counseling for DU students
By integrating these themes into an academic framework, DU is aiming not just to offer answers but to cultivate emotional literacy, which has long-term value beyond the classroom.
Why This Course Matters More Than Ever for Today’s Students
In a world where young adults are constantly bombarded with mixed messages about love, identity, and relationships—especially through social media—Delhi University’s course on intimate relationships comes at the perfect time. By focusing on empathy, communication, consent, and emotional wellbeing, the course offers students something every curriculum should strive for: tools for real life. This initiative has the potential to not only strengthen students’ personal growth but also set a precedent for other institutions to follow.
FAQs – Delhi University’s Intimate Relationships Course (2025–26)
1. Who can enroll in the ‘Intimate Relationships’ course at Delhi University?
Any undergraduate student at Delhi University, regardless of their college or stream, can choose this course as a General Elective under the CBCS framework.
2. What is the duration of the course?
The course is expected to run for one full semester (approximately 16 weeks), starting from the 2025–26 academic session.
3. Is the course available across all DU colleges?
Yes, since it’s offered under the university-wide CBCS system, all affiliated DU colleges will have access to this elective.
4. Will this course include only theory, or is it practical too?
It will be a blend of theoretical modules and participatory learning—such as journaling, role-playing, discussions, and real-life scenario analysis.
5. Will grades from this course count toward the final degree?
Yes, as a General Elective course, it will carry credit weight under the CBCS system, contributing to the student’s academic transcript.
6. Is the course only about romantic relationships?
No. While it focuses on intimate and romantic relationships, it also explores interpersonal dynamics, emotional health, and self-awareness more broadly.
7. Will students receive counseling support as part of this course?
While not yet officially confirmed, it is likely that the course will involve trained facilitators and mental health experts for specific modules or sessions.
8. Why is Delhi University introducing this course now?
Rising concerns about student mental health, increasing emotional distress linked to relationships, and a need for more holistic education prompted this initiative.