BENGALURU: With no official order from the state govt on continuing the fourth year of undergraduate programmes of NEP batches, autonomous colleges are in a dilemma. Many have informed students that the fourth year is kept in abeyance until there is official word on it.
Unlike in state public universities, the academic schedule of many autonomous colleges runs a few months in advance.The sixth semester is set to be completed by May.
“While we haven’t made a formal announcement, we’ve been telling students who come to us for clarity that they’ll have to exit after the third year. There has been no formal word on the fourth year yet from the govt and we can’t promise one until we’re told about it,” said the principal of an autonomous college in north Bengaluru.
He, however, added that the curriculum is ready with the college and can be rolled out whenever the govt gives its approval.
“The plan was to provide a fourth year for subjects of single discipline. As of now, the fourth-year programmes have been kept in abeyance until the govt gives clarity,” said a women’s college principal. “There is no clarity on which colleges can start fourth year. It was initially said universities must give nod based on infrastructure. After that, there have been no talks on it. Unless there is something in black and white, managements don’t want to take a chance.”
“Colleges are also hesitating as there is a lack of clarity on the future of the students completing the four-year programme. Who will offer a one-year PG programme for these students? Will they have to go back to a two-year PG?” she asked.
Meanwhile, students are at a loss. “Those who wanted to apply to universities abroad have done so as there was no assurance there would be a fourth year,” said a sixth-semester communications student.
A college principal said: “Many states haven’t implemented NEP. The UGC, in a recent video, said any college following the choice-based credit system can start providing a fourth year... But unless our university or govt gives us (assurance) in writing, we will not go ahead.”
BCU vice-chancellor Lingaraja Gandhi said there has not been any intimation from the government on this and the existing policy will continue until there is a new policy in place.
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