Panjab University (PU) in Chandigarh has taken a definitive step towards a major academic overhaul by initiating the process to implement the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 at the postgraduate level. The university has officially announced that the new framework will be rolled out starting from the 2026-27 academic session.
University Issues Directive for NEP 2020 Rollout
The move was formalized through a circular issued by the office of the Dean of University Instruction (DUI). This circular serves as the official directive to kickstart the transition, marking a significant shift in the structure and delivery of postgraduate education at one of the region's premier institutions.
Departments Tasked with Finalising Criteria
As per the circular, the university has entrusted the chairpersons of the Faculty of Sciences and the conveners of various Boards of Studies with a critical responsibility. They have been instructed to finalise and forward the eligibility criteria for all postgraduate programmes offered by their respective departments.
This process involves going beyond the minimum norms prescribed under NEP 2020. Each department must now deliberate and decide on any additional conditions or specific requirements for admission into their PG courses. This departmental-level customization is expected to align the broad national policy with the unique academic rigour and specializations offered at PU.
Implications and the Road Ahead
The implementation of NEP 2020 at the postgraduate level is poised to bring transformative changes. It emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, greater flexibility in course choices, and a focus on holistic education. By setting the 2026-27 session as the start date, Panjab University has provided a clear timeline for its academic bodies to prepare detailed syllabi, credit structures, and admission protocols in line with the new policy.
This structured rollout from the postgraduate level ensures that the foundational changes at the undergraduate level, which many affiliated colleges have already begun, are seamlessly extended to advanced studies. It underscores PU's commitment to modernizing its curriculum and staying at the forefront of the evolving higher education landscape in India.
