Students will now be able to get an undergraduate ‘honours’ degree only after completing four years, according to new draft norms prepared by the University Grants Commission (UGC).
“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,” the draft read.
“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,” it added.
The draft — ‘curriculum and credit framework for four-year undergraduate programmes’ is likely to be notified on Monday.
According to the document, students who have already enrolled and are pursuing a three-year UG programme are eligible to pursue a four-year undergraduate programme. The university may provide bridge courses to enable them to transition to the extended programme.
At present, students get an honours degree after completing three-years of undergraduate programmes.
If students leave before three years, they will be allowed to rejoin within three years of their exit. They will have to complete their degree within a stipulated period of seven years.
However, they can decide to continue with their chosen major or change their major at the end of the second semester.
Students will also get the option to go for a UG either with single major or double majors.
(Inputs from PTI)
