Near All Faculties To Implement 4-Year PlanMSU 4-year UG programmesVadodara: Almost all faculties of Maharaja Sayajirao University (MSU) are now likely to implement the fourth year undergraduate programme under the National Education Policy (NEP), after initial hesitation and internal deliberations.The development comes amid uncertainty among students following reports that several faculties might not continue with the fourth-year honours structure, despite admissions being granted under NEP-based programmes three years ago.MSU registrar K M Chudasama said there was never any formal decision to discontinue the fourth year. “Some faculties had only sought time to assess intake, employability prospects and market acceptability before taking a final call. Most of the faculties are now going ahead with the fourth year,” he said after discussions with deans.Under the NEP framework, students have the option to exit after three years, opt for a fourth-year honours degree, or choose a fourth year with research. The university has allowed faculties flexibility in implementation based on student demand and academic requirements.According to officials, students of the faculty of science are showing greater interest in the research-oriented fourth year under NEP, driven by aspirations for higher studies and academic careers. However, commerce students remain divided, with many preferring to enter the job market after completing three years, unless the additional year offers clear benefits in terms of employability or salary prospects.Chudasama added that students opting for the research track must meet eligibility criteria under NEP norms, including a minimum of 75% aggregate marks and no backlogs. “It has to be justified that they are worthy of pursuing research,” he said.The admission process for the fourth year is expected to begin after the declaration of third-year results, when students will choose between research and non-research pathways.Major faculties such as arts, commerce and science had already announced participation in the fourth-year option. Other faculties including home science, fine arts, performing arts, education, psychology, law and social work, which had initially adopted a wait-and-watch approach, are now also expected to offer the option.However, professional streams such as technology, engineering, medicine, management and polytechnic programmes do not fall under this structure.
