Introducing a new 4-year undergraduate honours course in West Bengal, starting from the current academic year.
West Bengal Introduces Four-Year UG Honours Course in Government and State-Aided Institutions
The West Bengal government has announced a significant change in the undergraduate education system, with the introduction of a four-year honours course in all government and state-aided higher educational institutions. This decision follows a recommendation from a state-appointed expert panel, led by M.V. Rajeev Gowda, and is in line with the National Education Policy, 2020.
The expert committee was constituted to examine the matter and recommend the implementation of the National Curriculum and Credit Framework. The new four-year UG course will replace the existing three-year course and is expected to be implemented during the 2023-2024 academic year.
The four-year UG course will be in accordance with the UGC national curriculum and credit framework for UG level programs. The M.V. Rajeev Gowda Expert Committee recommended this change, suggesting that it be implemented from the academic year 2023-2024, either by optimally utilizing existing resources or self-mobilizing additional resources, pending receipt of additional financial assistance.
Several college authorities and teacher associations have expressed concern over the delay in the official notification on changing the duration of the honours course. However, Calcutta University Pro-Vice Chancellor Asis Chatterjee expects to receive the notification soon.
In a move to streamline the admission process, the centralised online admission portal will not be in force this year. Each college will have its own online admission system. Scottish Church College, for instance, is awaiting communication from the CU authorities before starting the admission process.
The 4+1 format (4 years UG, 1 year PG) will replace the erstwhile 3+2 format. The state government had been considering this change for some time. State Education Minister Bratya Basu has scheduled a meeting with the chief minister to discuss the four-year UG course in detail.
The National Education Policy, 2020, includes a four-year honours course at the UG level and a one-year postgraduate course. This shift aims to provide students with a more comprehensive and in-depth understanding of their chosen subjects.
With the Plus-2 exam results recently declared, the focus now shifts towards the implementation of this change in the upcoming academic year. The West Bengal government is set to transform the undergraduate education landscape, offering students a more extensive and immersive learning experience.
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