Dr Asangba Tzudir
Just when the CBCS (Choice Based Credit System) for Undergraduate Programme which was introduced in 2022 by Nagaland University was settling in, under the NEP 2020, Nagaland University is all set to start the new FYUGP (Four Years Under Graduate Programme) from the coming academic session 2023. The recently HSSLC passed out students joining colleges will be the first batch of the new FYUGP.
So, Nagaland University and all the affiliated colleges under it will have to deal with students under three different systems. There are two semesters left to phase out the old course students; then the students admitted last year under the CBCS who will be transported into the FYUGP since they have fulfilled the credit requirement in the two semesters under CBCS, and the new FYUGP batch set to begin from the coming academic session.
However, a lot of attention will be on the FYUGP course structure which has the following components: Major Course; Minor Course; Inter/Multidisciplinary Course; Ability enhancement course; Skill Enhancement Course; Value-added Course; Internship, and Dissertation/Research since the FYUG structure. Besides the composition, one major change that the FYUGP brings is the multiple exit points-1 Year certificate course; 2 Years Diploma course, 3 Years Major course, and 4 Years Honors with Research. However, as of now it is not compulsory for all the colleges to start the 4th Year Honors, and only those colleges which are ready can go for it, otherwise the three years major programme. Besides, the University is yet to finalize the fourth year syllabus. After the four years UG programme, students can go for the One-year PG programme. However, the course structure is yet to be finalized which will be decided once the NEP PG One-year structure is notified by UGC. Only then the UG fourth year syllabus will also be finalized.
Besides the wide ranging subject and course composition, one thing can be said about FYUGP which is more ‘concise’ compared to the CBCS. Nonetheless, while the primary concern is the element of uncertainty when anything new is introduced, a larger question is – How will the students approach the multiple exit points? What will a student do or what are the job opportunities for a one year UG certificate course holder or someone with a two year UG diploma course. Will it be a disadvantage for them when it comes to job opportunities that comes with a minimum requirement of 3 years Degree programme or 4 Years Honors with Research programme. For now there are no answers but even the Government needs to come up with new policies to deal with this new structure and the minimum eligibility.
On the whole, while the FYUGP with its new structure, course components and the content of the syllabus ‘promises’ to transform the education system and learning, yet there is also the element of uncertainty, and the larger and the most important question surrounding its implementation since it is going to be introduced at a very short notice.
(Dr Asangba Tzudir writes a weekly guest editorial for The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
