UG ‘honours’ degree after 4 yrs, not 3, say UGC’s new draft norms

NEW DELHI: Students will be able to get an undergraduate ‘honours’ degree after completing four years instead of three, according to new draft norms prepared by the University Grants Commission (UGC).

The draft ‘curriculum and credit framework for four-year undergraduate programmes’ prepared in accordance with National Education Policy is likely to be notified on Monday.

“Students will be able to get a UG degree in three years on completion of 120 credits (measured through the number of academic hours) and a UG honours degree in four years on completion of 160 credits.

“If they wish to go for a research specialisation, they will have to undertake a research project in their four-year course. This will get them an Honours degree with research specialisation,” the draft read.

“Students who have already enrolled and are pursuing a three-year UG programme as per the existing Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) are eligible to pursue a four-year undergraduate programme.

The university may provide bridge courses (including online) to enable them to transition to the extended programme,” it added.

Currently, students get an honours degree after completing three years of undergraduate programmes.

The FYUP also allows multiple entry and exit options for students. If they leave before three years, they will be allowed to rejoin within three years of their exit and will have to complete their degree within a stipulated period of seven years.