Title: Over 300 Universities to Offer Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) in India
From the upcoming academic session, more than 300 universities across the country will have the option to implement the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP). However, it is important to note that this will not be mandatory, as students will still have the choice to pursue either FYUP or the traditional three-year undergraduate programme.
According to the University Grants Commission (UGC), students who opt for FYUP will receive a four-year undergraduate ‘UG Honours’ degree with research specialization. Currently, FYUP has been introduced in approximately 150 universities nationwide starting from the 2023-24 session. UGC Chairman Professor M. Jagadish Kumar expects this number to double in the coming session.
At the beginning of the 2023-24 academic session, FYUP had been implemented by 105 universities, including 19 central universities, 24 state-level universities, 44 deemed universities, and 18 private universities. Prominent institutions such as Delhi University, Aligarh Muslim University, Jammu Central University, Visva Bharati University, Rashtriya Sanskrit University, and Maulana Azad National Urdu University were among those offering the four-year undergraduate courses. The number of universities providing FYUP has now increased to 150.
Under the framework of FYUP, the UGC has granted students the flexibility to pursue either a three-year undergraduate degree or a four-year Honours degree, aligning with the provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP). In the case of the four-year Honours degree, students will be required to complete 160 credits within the four-year timeframe. Those wishing to specialize in research will also have the opportunity to undertake a research project as part of their undergraduate course, leading to an Honours degree with research specialization.
Experts believe that the revised draft of FYUP will greatly benefit students aspiring to pursue higher education abroad. The number of Indian students seeking education overseas has been steadily increasing, with over 6 lakh students studying abroad as of November last year. Canada, Germany, Australia, the United States, and Italy are the top five preferred countries for Indian students. With the new FYUP provisions, students will now be eligible for an undergraduate ‘Honours’ degree after completing four years instead of three.
The UGC asserts that the draft curriculum and credit framework of FYUP adhere to international standards. This international equivalency in education levels will provide Indian students with enhanced opportunities for higher education in American and Western universities.
However, some academics express dissenting views on the matter. Esteemed educationist CS Kandpal believes that while FYUP may benefit students seeking admission to prestigious American universities, there is a need to incorporate skill development in the program to increase employment opportunities. These skills, such as communication, adaptability, foreign language proficiency, and self-awareness, will also prove beneficial to students studying abroad.
Kandpal further adds, “The primary objective was to increase the number of students pursuing the three-year program in the country. FYUP is an extension of the three-year degree program. However, the traditional education system, where students focus mainly on exams and grades, does not adequately prepare them for both graduation and successful careers in foreign universities. Institutions planning to adopt FYUP should consider this aspect.”
In conclusion, the introduction of FYUP in over 300 universities presents a new opportunity for Indian students to pursue a four-year undergraduate degree with research specialization. While some celebrate the potential benefits for students seeking overseas education, it is crucial to ensure that the program equips students with the necessary skills to thrive in both academia and the job market.
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