Mangalore University Colleges Opt Out of NEP’s Fourth Year, Embrace New SEP

Undergraduate colleges affiliated with Mangalore University, which adopted the National Education Policy-2020 (NEP) three years ago, have not applied to continue the fourth year of the program this academic year. Instead, Mangalore University will introduce the State Education Policy (SEP), a new three-year UG program, with classes starting on August 12.

The NEP extended the undergraduate program to four years, offering a certificate after two semesters, a diploma after four, a degree after six, and honors after eight semesters. However, none of the colleges under Mangalore University have sought permission to continue the fourth year. Raju Mogaveera, the university registrar, confirmed that the NEP-UG program has completed three years but no colleges showed interest in continuing the fourth year.

Mogaveera noted that there are no records of students utilizing the multiple entry and exit options offered by the NEP, such as obtaining a certificate or diploma mid-course. He mentioned that while there have been transfer requests, it’s common for students to move to other colleges outside the state to complete their education.

Colleges are reportedly reluctant to proceed with the fourth year due to confusion and lack of enthusiasm among students for the extended program. Additionally, several government colleges with limited infrastructure and inadequate faculty struggle to support a four-year course. A principal of an aided undergraduate college mentioned receiving feedback from students indicating their preference to avoid the fourth year.