GUWAHATI: Cotton University has implemented the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) in line with the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, introducing a new academic structure that offers students multiple pathways to complete their higher education.
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Under the revised system, students can exit the programme at different stages with recognised qualifications, a certificate after one year, a diploma after two years, a three-year bachelor's degree, or a four-year Honours/Research degree upon completion of the final year.
The introduction of the FYUGP has also triggered discussions among students and stakeholders over changes to the university's postgraduate programmes. Concerns have been raised regarding the discontinuation of the conventional two-year master's programme in some disciplines.
Speaking to GPlus, Cotton University Students' Union General Secretary Kritimoy Kashyap said the changes were implemented in accordance with the recommendations of the NEP 2020. He noted that the four-year degree programme offers several advantages, including enabling students to directly apply for National Eligibility Test (NET) and State Eligibility Test (SLET) examinations after graduation. He added that students can also pursue higher studies through a one-year master's programme after completing the four-year undergraduate course.
Meanwhile, a university official told GPlus, "The primary reason for restructuring the master's programme is to align with the guidelines of the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Infrastructure considerations are also a factor, but the decision is mainly driven by the need to implement the new academic framework prescribed under the policy."
He also added that the conventional of the master's programme has been reduced as maintaining both the old and new academic structures simultaneously would be challenging. The official added that infrastructure constraints were among the factors considered while restructuring the postgraduate courses.
The transition marks a significant shift in Cotton University's academic framework as institutions across the State adapt to the higher education reforms proposed under NEP 2020.