Gujarat University delays Honours degree rollout under National Education Policy

Ahmedabad: Serious lapses in the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) have come to light at Gujarat University, one of the state's oldest and most prestigious institutions. Despite introducing NEP with much fanfare three years ago and promising students the option of earning an ‘Honours' degree, the university has yet to establish a clear roadmap for its execution.Under NEP guidelines, undergraduate students completing a three-year programme are awarded a standard degree, while those opting for a fourth year are eligible for an Honours degree. However, as third-year (TY) exams for BA, BCom and BSc courses are set to begin in April 2026, students who wish to pursue the fourth year remain uncertain about their options.Sources reveal that during the 2023 admission cycle, the then vice-chancellor directed that students be given the option to pursue Honours. However, no concrete steps were taken after his tenure ended the same month. As a result, students who enrolled in 2023 are now approaching graduation without any clarity on how to continue into the fourth year.The university recently issued a circular seeking consent from affiliated colleges willing to offer the four-year Honours programme. Yet, with only days left before TY exams, there is still no confirmed data on how many colleges will implement the course.Officials claim that responses from colleges are still pending. Meanwhile, students remain confused over whether they can continue in their current colleges or will need to seek admission elsewhere, highlighting significant administrative delays in NEP rollout. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with EId ul fitr 2026 wishes, messages and quotes !