Central University of Kerala: Nine Students Face Scrutiny Over FYUGP Stance

Quick Summary

• Nine students from the BA International Relations (2022-2025 batch) at the Central University of kerala face uncertainty due to lack of formal dialog regarding transitioning their three-year program into a four-year honours as per the National Education Policy, 2020.
• According to a 2024 notice by the university Grants Commission (UGC), universities must enable such transitions wiht bridge courses for students pursuing UG programs under the Choice-Based Credit System (CBCS).
• The CUK Vice Chancellor approved this transition in February 2025, and students were asked to confirm their willingness by April 23.
• An academic council meeting on August 7 decided against extending this batch’s course from three years to four years, citing concerns over altering expectations for enrolled students.
• Students highlight that this decision contradicts UGC directives and compromises eligibility criteria for international master’s programs, UGC-NET, and doctoral admissions tied to honours degrees.
• Vice Chancellor Siddu Algur stated that extending the program could disadvantage those initially enrolling under a three-year framework but assured support for higher education opportunities. This includes facilitating affected students’ enrollment in postgraduate courses.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The uncertainty faced by these nine students underscores challenges in implementing educational reforms like transition mandates linked to NEP 2020. While aligning curricula with updated policies is crucial for enhancing competitiveness and academic progression, proper planning and clear communication are essential during policy transitions. The discrepancy between university actions and UGC directives raises questions about administrative coordination.

CUK’s decision appears rooted in maintaining fairness towards initial expectations of enrolled students; however, this approach might inadvertently hinder affected students’ future academic prospects by denying them access to qualifications needed for advanced studies or professional pathways governed by evolving norms. The promise of post-graduate facilitation is constructive but may not fully compensate for missed international or research opportunities tied directly to an honours degree.

This situation highlights an urgent need for institutions nationwide-including CUK-to adopt smoother mechanisms ensuring minimal disruption when executing policy shifts like FYUGP transitions. Students’ trust hinges on transparent execution aligning institutional decisions with overarching national guidelines that closely adhere to consistency within higher education frameworks.Read more: Link