Nag varsity revamps ‘major’ subject structure under NEP

Nagpur: The Nagpur University has recently restructured the selection of ‘major' subjects under the National Education Policy (NEP), introducing a phased system aimed at giving students greater flexibility and informed choice over three years of undergraduate study.According to NU officials, under the revised model, students will now opt for three major subjects in the first year, two in the second year, and finally specialise in one major subject in the third year. The change marks a departure from the existing system, where students were required to select a single major subject in the first year and continue with it throughout their degree, often limiting their postgraduate options.The officials said the earlier structure forced many students into premature decisions. "The new framework is intended to allow exploration in the initial years, enabling students to make more informed decisions about specialisation by the final year," they said. The proposal for the revised structure was introduced by Senate member and senior academician Rajesh Bhoyar.Confirming the development, NU vice-chancellor Manali Kshirsagar told TOI that the change was introduced following repeated requests from colleges to avoid forcing students into a single subject in their first year. "Students take admission after Class 12 without clarity on which subject to choose. Many times, they get confused about what they want to pursue in the future. So we have adopted the 3-2-1 model, where they will have three majors in the first year, two in the second and one in the final year," she said.Even as the new system is set to be implemented from the upcoming academic session, curriculum development remains underway. Meetings of various boards of studies have begun to align year-wise syllabi with the revised structure. However, the absence of detailed university guidelines on the extent and nature of changes has raised concerns among faculty members. "There is still no clarity on what precise modifications are expected in the curriculum," a senior academic said, adding that any mismatch between eventual guidelines and prepared syllabi could affect student assessment outcomes.Uncertainty has also persisted at the college level. Several institutions are yet to finalise admission brochures, citing confusion over the evaluation pattern. It remains unclear whether the theory-to-practical ratio will follow the 60:40 model or the 80:20 format, leaving administrators hesitant as the admission cycle approaches.BoxAbout New Structure First year: students will choose three major subjectsSecond year: students will narrow it down to two majorsThird year: final specialisation in one major subjectShift from earlier system of fixed single major for all three yearsReform aims to give flexibility and better decision-making timeHelps students make informed choices for postgraduate studiesProposal moved by senior Senate member Rajesh BhoyarCurriculum design process currently underway at university levelLack of clear guidelines creating confusion among collegesUncertainty over evaluation pattern: 60:40 or 80:20 remains unresolvedAdmission brochures delayed due to ambiguity