DESAM demands clarity on NEP 4th yr UG courses
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, January 31 2025: Democratic Students' Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) and students' union of colleges have asked the state government to clear the confusion arising out of opening the 4th year (7th and 8th semester) for undergraduate programme under National Education Policy (NEP).

Addressing media persons on Friday, Mayai Lambi College Students' Union general secretary Ichaoba Warepam pointed out that NEP-2020 clearly mentions that higher education will be of four-year course.

However, students are yet to identify colleges where they could pursue the 4th year (honours/research).

To identify colleges offering four-year courses, the registrar of Manipur University (MU) sent a letter to the Higher Education Department in October 2023, but the department is yet to respond.

As a result, students are unaware of which colleges provide the 4th year, he rued, calling the government's silence as unfortunate, especially for those who chose four-year courses under the NEP.

Meanwhile, DESAM and student unions ofNaorem Birahari College, Waikhom Mani Girls' College, and several other institutions have urged the state government to provide clarity on the matter, warning that they will-initiate intense agitations if no response is given.

According to separate statements of DESAM and students' union of many colleges, four-year undergraduate programme under NEP has been classified as 1-year certificate, 2-year diploma, 3-year degree and 4-year honours/research.

Students are about to complete 3-year degree under Manipur University with session for the 4th year set to commence in June-July, 2025 .

On the other hand, students who want to pursue MA/MSc/MCom are mandatory to appear the PG-CUET (Common University Entrance Test) conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA) or else they would be barred from getting admission even in Manipur University.

The last date for registration for PG-CUET is February 1, 2025, the statements of DESAM and students' union of colleges said and urged the government to name colleges which are to open 4th year and courses to be offered as well at the earliest.

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