The syndicate of the University of Calcutta has approved a policy reserving 80% of postgraduate seats for students who exit their undergraduate programmes after completing the third year in 2026. The institution currently offers around 6,000 seats in its postgraduate courses.

This decision, taken by the university’s highest governing authority, applies to disciplines across arts, science, and commerce. It follows the structure introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which allows students enrolled in a four-year undergraduate programme to leave after three years.

Students who complete the full four-year undergraduate course by July next year will be eligible for a one-year postgraduate programme, with 20% of seats set aside for them. Those who exit after the third year will be considered for the two-year postgraduate track, with selection based on both undergraduate performance and entrance examination results.

Of the 80% reserved seats, 60% will be allocated to students from colleges affiliated with the university. Candidates from non-affiliated institutions will also be eligible for the two-year postgraduate programme, but their admission will depend entirely on entrance test scores.

Students who leave after completing three years of undergraduate study will be awarded a graduation degree indicating completion of a single major.