PANAJI
Goa University (GU) has announced the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which introduces a four-year undergraduate degree program with multiple entry and exit options.
Starting from the upcoming academic year, both the University and affiliated colleges will adopt these new programmes for the first year.
The four-year degree program is structured into eight semesters to obtain a degree with honors or research specialization.
Addressing a press conference in the varsity hall on Wednesday, Director of the Directorate of Higher Education Prasad Lolayekar stated that students will receive a certificate upon completing one year (two semesters) of study in their chosen field. After two years (four semesters), they will be awarded a diploma, and on completion of a three-year program (six semesters), students will be granted a bachelor’s degree. Finally, those who complete the four-year program will receive a bachelor's degree with honours or research specialization.
“A lot of flexibility has been given to the colleges through these programmes… Students who successfully complete four years will receive honours, while those engaged in research activities will get the status of honours with research. In order to be eligible for a PhD without a postgraduate degree, research honour students must maintain a minimum 75 percent throughout their semesters,” he said.
Other students of four years will have one year PG degree and students with three years programme will have to cover the usual two years.
“These are the kind of facilities in the curriculum,” the director added.
“Those students who cannot continue their education after one or two years will be allowed to complete the remaining programme without reversing to the start, unlike in the present system,” he further said.
According to GU officials, the new system also includes a provision called ‘ABC’ Academic Bank Credit that allows the transfer of credits if a student decides to discontinue his/her studies at one institute and opt for another college or university in a different state in India.
GU also stated that students will have the option to pursue a subject even if they are not available at their respective college, but offered at a cluster college. “Initially, teachers of those specific subjects will visit these colleges to provide education. Eventually, the mode of instruction will be through video conferencing,” Lolayekar explained.
The admissions for first-year undergraduate programs are set to begin on May 29, with GU ensuring that all relevant information will be uploaded on its websites as well as the websites of respective colleges. Each institute will assign three teachers to guide students and their parents throughout the admission process.
