New Delhi, (IANS): Under-19 cricket World Cup winning captain Unmukt Chand has been allowed to move to his second year at St. Stephen's College, but he has to clear his first year exams, Delhi University vice-chancellor Dinesh Singh said on Friday.

Singh said Unmukt would have to clear his second semester exam of the first year after he is promoted to second year. He will also have to simultaneously clear his second year exams.

Unmukt, a BA student who had got admission in college in the sports category, was not allowed to give his second semester exams due to low attendance.

"Under the proposed structure - that is expected to be placed before the academic council in a couple of months - participation in sports activities will be accorded credit and the students will have the choice of replacing some of the academic courses with a structured recognition of participation towards his/her degree," Singh said.

However, the vice-chancellor made it clear that there would be no escape from studies for Unmukt. Giving an example, he said a student of mathematics honours can not say he wants the degree without studying the subject.

Earlier, the vice-chancellor had written to Sports Minister Ajay Maken assuring him that he would look into the case of Unmukt.

HRD minister Kapil Sibal had on Thursday spoken to the vice-chancellor and urged him to resolve the matter on priority.

According to Delhi University rules, a student must have at least 33.3 per cent attendance in an academic session after all exemptions.

Unmukt had earlier approached the Delhi High Court to sit for his exams. But since he was late in approaching the court, he could appear in only two exams out of four.

According to university rules, a student should pass 50 percent of all exams in both semesters combined to move on to the next year of the course.

The next hearing is slated for September 16. Unmukt's results have been withheld on the court's direction.