Team Herald
PANJIM: The Goa University is all set to roll out National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 based curriculum at undergraduate level for general education across its affiliated colleges from the coming academic year 2023-24 onwards.
However, the new curriculum- wherein the undergraduate general programmes would be of four years with honours and research- would be implemented for the student of First Year, while those already in the second and final year, will continue with the old system of three-years degree programme.
Addressing media persons on Wednesday, Goa University Vice Chancellor Harilal Menon said that from the coming academic year onwards, the Varsity will implement NEP-based curriculum at undergraduate level general programme.
He explained that the students, who will be taking admission to the First Year general programme will be given the option of 4-year graduation degree in honours and research and they will have the option not only to go for dual-degree but also choose courses across the disciplines. The four-year degree program is structured into eight semesters to obtain a degree with honors or research specialization.
“There are multiple entry and exit options available to the students. The student will have lot of flexibility,” he said.
Menon said that the First Year student will undergo undergraduate degree either of three or four-year duration, with multiple exit options within this period, with appropriate certifications; for example- a certificate after completing 1 year in a discipline or field including vocational and professional areas, or a diploma after two years of study, or a Bachelor’s degree after a three-year programme. The four-year will lead to student getting honours. The four-year programme may also lead to a degree ‘with Research’, if student opts for research.
“A student who scores 75 per cent and above in all semesters, need not go for post graduate degree but can opt for PhD directly while others will have one year PG programme after four years completion. Those students with three years programme will have to undergo two years PG course,” he said.
A student can earn credits by completing diversified course and these will be credited to the Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) account. One can then transfer these credits if one decides to switch colleges. If a student ever drops out for some reason, these credits will remain intact and s/he can come back later and pick up from where the student had left.
Secretary Education, Prasad Lolyenkar said that the NEP is been implemented only at First Year across all affiliated colleges providing general education.
“The student taking admission to First Year will have a choice either to opt for three year undergraduate programme or four years honours. Second and Third year students will continue with old structure,” he said.
He said that NEP has laid major thrust on developing a multidisciplinary approach and the colleges across Goa have come on board to form clusters offering multidisciplinary education.
“The move will help in sharing college courses, resources and facilities with students of colleges within the cluster,” he said.
Lolyenkar said that from May 29, portal will open for admissions to undergraduate courses. He said that every college will put in place a team of three professors to provide guidance or clarity on NEP curriculum to the students as well as parents.
