Dr Asangba Tzudir
Some colleges under Nagaland university are gearing up for the upcoming odd semester specifically the 7th Semester of the fourth year of the FYUGP. These colleges are the ones that merged into the FYUGP from CBCS (Choice Based Credit System). The rest of the colleges did not merge and so this CBCS Batch will complete the UG program under CBCS.
So, regarding the introduction of the 4th year under FYUGP Nagaland University has circulated a notification along with a proforma asking colleges whether they can start the 4th year of the FYUGP. This is necessitated by the fact that, it’s introduction calls for an evaluation of the status relating to availability of adequate infrastructure specifically classrooms, and whether there are adequate number of teachers in a department and where at least two teachers should have Ph. D. It is also compounded by an earlier NU Notification stating that only those departments in colleges that have Masters program will be eligible to start the 4th year in that department. However, the latest NU Notification seems to have ‘ignored’ the requirement.
Anyway, while the introduction of the 4th year is to be decided by respective colleges, the decision is not an easy one, because it goes beyond the infrastructure and teacher requirement specially for the 4th year Honors with Research. The uncertainties besides the need for clarity makes the decision not an easy one. Currently, the syllabus for both the 4th year of FYUGP and the One year Masters program is being prepared only now. Then, the All India CUET (Combined University Entrance Test) for 2 years Masters program was recently conducted. Now, the question is – How long will the 2 years Masters program continue? All these and more including career paths and opportunities adds to the confusion making it even more difficult for the students to decide.
Another aspect that needs to be carefully evaluated is the policy of semester progression and backlog. At the moment clarity is needed for the progression into the 7th Semester and for which the Nagaland University has to make a decision. In this regard, the question is whether students having backlog in the 5th semester and are currently in the 6th semester be allowed to take the 4th year?
The National Credit Framework (NCrF) under India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes flexibility and multiple entry-exit options in undergraduate education. However, specific policies regarding progression with backlogs, such as advancing from the 5th to the 7th semester with two outstanding courses, are typically determined by individual universities or institutions. (Ministry of Education)
Now, it can be concluded that, since there is a 75% requirement in the course of the six semesters (3 years) to be eligible to go for the 4th year Honors with Research, those students who will soon appear their 6th semester and having backlog in their 5th semester cannot be allowed to go for the 4th year with Research. However, those students having 2 or less backlogs in their 5th semesters should be allowed to go for the 4th year honors without research component. The logic is, even though, the FYUGP is divided into multiple exit entry points, viz. 1 Year UG Certificate; 2 Years UG Diploma; 3 Years Degree with Major; 4 Years Honors without Research, and 4 Years Honors with Research, progression into the next semester has been allowed with two or less backlogs. So automatically, the same yardstick should apply where students with backlog in 5th semester should be allowed to progress to the 7th semester of the 4th year honors without Research. If not the very spirit and essence of the FYUGP will be defeated.
To this end, a proper consultative meeting called by the university should be had with its affiliating colleges.
(Dr AsangbaTzudir writes guest editorials for The Morung Express. Comments can be mailed to asangtz@gmail.com)
