Published By: Sukanya Nandy
Last Updated: March 24, 2024, 11:47 IST
The suggested plan allows students to select minor courses from a wide variety of possibilities (File Photo)
Students can graduate straight into PhD courses with this plan, negating the need for a separate master’s degree, by integrating research possibilities into the four-year undergraduate course
The Banaras Hindu University (BHU) will implement a four-year undergraduate curriculum called UG Honours and UG Honours with Research, beginning the academic year 2024–2025, in a significant change that is in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The UG Honours with Research programme provides a one-of-a-kind opportunity for high-achieving students. Based on merit, only 10 per cent of admitted students with a Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA) of 7.5 or above will be qualified. Students can graduate straight into PhD courses with this plan, negating the need for a separate master’s degree, by integrating research possibilities into the four-year undergraduate course.
According to the university, the planned programmes focus on students’ total development to form them into responsible citizens who can make the best use of their university education for their individual and professional advancement.
Those who complete UG Honours with Research at BHU will be eligible for the PhD programmes without having to complete a postgraduate degree. The suggested plan allows students to select minor courses from a wide variety of possibilities.
The curriculum will encompass a broader range of learning activities. Students will be expected to take courses in Skill Enhancement, Value Added Courses, Multidisciplinary Studies, Ability Enhancement and internships. Those seeking UG Honours with Research will finish their thesis in the final semester.
On the other hand, the five-year BA LLB programme offered by the Faculty of Law, which falls under the special course category, will stay intact. Similarly, skill enhancement professional programmes at South Campus, as well as those regulated by particular regulatory organisations, will continue to operate as usual because they are not covered by NEP.
In a separate resolution, the BHU council connected hostel residency to class attendance. Starting in the following academic year, students who maintain a minimum of 70 per cent attendance will be favoured for hostel accommodations. The university departments are now assessing their course offerings and formulating methods to effectively adopt the new four-year undergraduate structure.
