In a significant move to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Gujarat University (GU) has initiated a formal process to introduce mandatory honours degree options for undergraduate students. The university has reached out to all its affiliated colleges to assess their willingness and preparedness to launch these specialised programmes.
GU's Survey for NEP Compliance
Acting on the national directive, Gujarat University has sought detailed information from colleges under its affiliation. The survey aims to determine which institutions are ready to roll out honours programmes and identify the specific subjects they can offer. This step is crucial for aligning with the NEP mandate that makes honours degrees compulsory for universities across India in the final year of undergraduate study.
Eligibility and Student Choice
After collecting responses from colleges, Gujarat University will undertake a verification process. Officials will check if the applying colleges satisfy the eligibility criteria set forth by the National Education Policy. Only those meeting the specified norms will receive approval to commence honours degrees.
Concurrently, undergraduate students will face an important academic decision. They must choose whether to opt for the honours track, which requires continuing their studies into the seventh and eighth semesters. This choice will shape their final degree designation and academic depth.
Opportunity for Three-Year Colleges
A notable provision in the new policy framework is the inclusion of colleges currently offering only three-year undergraduate programmes. Even these institutions will be permitted to introduce honours degrees, provided they fully comply with the norms and standards outlined by the NEP. This levels the academic playing field and expands advanced learning opportunities across Gujarat's higher education landscape.
The implementation of honours degrees under the National Education Policy represents a structural shift in India's undergraduate education system. It emphasises specialised, research-oriented learning in the final year, aiming to enhance student readiness for both higher studies and professional careers. Gujarat University's proactive survey marks a concrete step toward turning this national policy into a local reality for students in Ahmedabad and across the state.
