Honours vs Major Debate at Calcutta University Over NEP 3-Year Exit Degree

Honours vs Major Debate at Calcutta University Over NEP 3-Year Exit Degree | News

Calcutta University Faces Uncertainty Over Degree Title for Third-Year Exit Under NEP

Calcutta University is currently evaluating how to formally designate the qualification awarded to students who leave its four-year undergraduate programme after completing three academic years. The first cohort enrolled under this structure in 2023 will reach the six-semester milestone in July, making the issue time-sensitive.

Although the academic credits required for exit are clearly defined, the exact title of the degree remains under discussion.

Why the Confusion?

The core of the debate lies in terminology. Earlier, the university considered awarding a qualification labeled as "honours" at the end of the third year. However, guidance from the University Grants Commission (UGC) suggests that the term "major" may be more appropriate at that stage.

Under the revised academic structure, subjects traditionally referred to as honours are categorized as majors. According to regulatory interpretations, honours recognition is typically reserved for students who complete the fourth year along with a mandatory research component.

Faculty members across affiliated colleges have reported difficulty responding to student queries due to the lack of a finalised decision. In some cases, different institutions have provided varying explanations regarding the degree title.

Exit Framework Under the NEP Model

The four-year undergraduate structure was introduced in 2023 in alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. It includes multiple exit points:

After Semester 2 – Certificate
After Semester 4 – Diploma
After Semester 6 – Graduate Degree
After Semester 8 – Honours Degree (with research component)

Students who continue beyond six semesters and meet the required academic performance threshold may undertake supervised research work in the final year. This research component carries additional credits and is mandatory for the honours designation.

Influence of External Policies

A notification issued by Delhi University regarding its own exit options has contributed to interpretational differences. While national guidelines indicate that students leaving after six semesters should receive a graduate degree, the language used elsewhere has led to uncertainty within academic circles.

Other state universities such as Jadavpur University and Presidency University are expected to follow UGC norms by awarding a standard graduate degree at the three-year exit stage.

Related Developments

The naming issue is not limited to the four-year pathway. A separate review is underway for students enrolled in the three-year multidisciplinary programme introduced under the Curriculum and Credit Framework.

This programme allows students to combine subjects across humanities, science, and home science streams. Since earlier terminology such as "pass graduate" is no longer aligned with national standards, the university is examining suitable alternatives before the next batch graduates.

Next Steps

University authorities are expected to consult regulatory bodies and issue an official clarification soon. A final decision will provide much-needed certainty to students preparing to complete their third year under the new academic framework.