Ahmedabad: Gujarat University has officially approved 54 affiliated colleges and institutes to offer fourth-year Honours programmes under the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020. This decision, finalized during an executive council meeting on May 3, enables approximately 5,500 interested final-year students to extend their three-year undergraduate degrees into Semesters 7 and 8.
Background and Approval Process
The university had earlier invited applications from affiliated colleges seeking to run fourth-year Honours courses. Under NEP 2020, students pursuing a three-year undergraduate programme have the option to continue for a fourth year to earn an Honours degree. As per the new structure, Semesters 7 and 8 constitute the fourth year. Following a rigorous approval process, 54 colleges were granted permission to conduct these Honours programmes.
Student Interest and Enrollment
According to university estimates, out of around 35,000 students currently studying in the final year (Semester 6), nearly 5,500 have shown interest in enrolling in the Honours programmes. Students who wish to pursue the fourth year must seek admission in one of the approved colleges. However, if their current college is among those granted permission, they can continue their studies without switching institutions.
Guidelines on Fees and Faculty
The university has also issued detailed guidelines for the courses. Colleges are allowed to charge fees similar to those collected in Semesters 5 and 6. If institutions appoint additional faculty to run these courses, their salaries must be paid from the fees collected from students until the government approves regular staff positions.
Salary Norms for Academic Staff
The guidelines further specify salary norms for academic staff. Research associates holding qualifications such as NET, SLET, or PhD will be paid Rs 40,000 per month, while research assistants with postgraduate qualifications will receive Rs 22,500 per month. These measures aim to ensure adequate staffing for the Honours programmes.
Distinction Between Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes
The university has also clarified that the fourth-year undergraduate Honours curriculum will not be equivalent to the first year of postgraduate studies. This distinction is maintained to keep a clear separation between UG and PG programmes under the NEP framework, ensuring that the Honours degree remains an undergraduate qualification.
This initiative is expected to enhance the academic offerings of Gujarat University and provide students with an opportunity to deepen their knowledge in their chosen fields, aligning with the goals of NEP 2020.
