PU clears 3-year degree option without exit for 4-year UG honours students

Chandigarh: Students enrolled in four-year undergraduate programmes under the Honours School System at Panjab University will now be able to obtain a degree or certificate after completing three years without exiting the course, following approval by a university committee and subsequent nod from the Vice-Chancellor. The provision, which will apply across the university and its affiliated colleges, is aimed at enabling students to meet graduation eligibility requirements for competitive examinations while continuing their studies.The decision was taken at a meeting of a committee constituted to address issues related to the implementation of NEP, held on March 25. The meeting was chaired by the Dean of University Instructions and convened by NEP Cell Co-ordinator Anil Monga.At the centre of the discussion was the difficulty faced by students who complete three years of a four-year undergraduate programme but are unable to apply for competitive examinations due to the absence of a recognised graduation degree at that stage. While NEP provisions already allow the award of a degree after three years, this is only in cases where a student formally exits the programme.To address this, the committee approved a mechanism under which students can be issued a degree or certificate certifying completion of three years even if they continue into the fourth year. The facility will be subject to certain conditions, including payment of a minimal prescribed fee. Students who go on to complete the fourth year will be required to surrender the three-year degree or certificate at the time of receiving their final honours degree.Officials indicated that the move is intended to remove a practical barrier without disrupting the academic structure of four-year programmes. It also ensures that students are not forced to exit their course prematurely solely to obtain a recognised qualification for examinations or other opportunities.The decision will be implemented uniformly across Panjab University and its affiliated colleges.Separately, student leader Gurnoor Kanda has been protesting since Wednesday, demanding that students of five-year integrated law programmes such as BA LLB and BCom LLB be awarded a corresponding BA or BCom degree after completion of three years. He has argued that the absence of such a provision limits law students' eligibility for competitive examinations.University officials noted that the issue concerning law courses is more complex, as legal education is governed by the Bar Council of India, which prescribes course structures and degree norms. Any change in this regard would require approval from the regulatory body.Get real-time updates and result insights on the CBSE 12 Result 2026.