Dr Asangba Tzudir
Under the new FYUGP (Four Year Undergraduate Programme) colleges in Nagaland now have two fresh batch of students (2023, 2024) and also students of some colleges that merged into the FYUGP from CBCS starting 3rd semester and who are now in the 5th semester. The first fresh batch under FYUGP began in the year 2023, while colleges were given the freedom to decide whether those students studying under CBCS (Choice Based Credit System) should continue with the CBCS or merge into FYUGP, and accordingly the colleges made their own decision, and except for the fresh batch under FYUGP, many colleges decided against merging, and continued with the CBCS for those students who had started under CBCS, while some colleges merged. So, Nagaland University had to handle three systems at one time – Old course (the last of the batch under the old system graduated in 2024 and will wait until the backlog students also passes out); the CBCS, and the new FYUGP as part of NEP 2020.
While the FYUGP has not come without challenges, the lack of clarity has been another pressing concern. In context, it has presented another such case that requires clarity. It is also to be noted that the FYUGP system where the 4th year being the addition is not automatic and requires the fulfillment of certain criteria. The FYUGP is divided into two categories – 4-Year UG Degree (Honors), and 4-Year UG Degree (Honors with Research). So those going for the 4th year of the Honors degree will do an additional 3 theory courses for 12 credits, and those going for the Honors Degree with research will do a Research project/Dissertation in place of the 3 additional theory courses provided they secure 75% marks and above in the first six semesters.
As things stand now regarding the 4th Year of the Four Year UG Program, it is not compulsory for all the colleges to start the 4th year honors programme, and is only for those colleges which are ready to introduce the 4th year programme. So, it is not the case that UG course automatically becomes four years but it is up to the respective colleges to decide about starting the 4th year Hons. programme. However, though the name of the system of Four Years UG Programme, the syllabus for the 4th year is yet to be out and the 4th year is supposed to start from the second half of 2025. It is said that the finalization of the 4th year course is subject to the finalisation of the One-year PG programme course structure which is also yet to be finalized by UGC.
While the 4th year is not made compulsory and depends on the colleges for starting the 4th year, the non finalization of the 4th year course has also put the colleges in Nagaland in an uncertain situation and which is also compounded by a Notification from Nagaland University - No. NU/ACAD-236/2021-1931 Dt: 16.7.2024, in which point No. 2 pertaining to the 4th year program of the FYUGP states thus: “For starting the fourth year course in colleges under ongoing Four Year Undergraduate Program will be allowed to the colleges who are offering PG Courses.”
Whereas the FYUGP has provisions for multiple entry and exit points during the course of the four years study and it is also not the case that every student has to undergo the 4th year of the Under Graduate Programme. However, the NU notification which requires having PG course in a college to undergo the 4th year UG program has also come as a shock. Not all the students will go for the 4th year even if the 4th year is introduced, but what about those students who want to study the 4th year also especially the 4th year with research component and which is also necessary to go for Direct Ph.D? So colleges that do not have PG courses will not be eligible for the 4th Year and that only those departments that have PG programme in the respective college will be eligible to start the 4th year. This then becomes a serious issue and concern mainly for students who wants to study the 4th year.
So, as per the present notification, students will find themselves in a contradictory situation where, they are enrolled in the Four Years Undergraduate Program but except for the very few colleges that offer PG course in some departments, they will find themselves not being able to complete the four years program. As such, this notification seems to have defeated the very essence and objective of the FYUGP while also delimiting those who have plans to go for direct Ph.D after the completion of the Four Years UG program. So, it is just about 6 months away from a possible start of the 4th year, yet uncertainties looms large. Going by the earlier NU notification and the eligibility criteria almost all the colleges will not be eligible except for those departments having PG programme, and which will also be subject to finalization of the 4th year course which is again subject to finalization of the one-year PG programme. On the other hand, even if certain colleges and departments intends to start the 4th year it will not be easy to introduce PG program in all the departments considering the scope of expansion, infrastructural set-up, and the need for more teachers.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir writes guest editorial for The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
