As a key higher education reform under NEP 2020, the University Grants Commission (UGC) in May this year formally notified the National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF). The new framework for the first time has paved the way for Four-year Undergraduate (degree)Programme in India and as per latest reports over 100 other varsities including Delhi University and Visva Bharati University have implemented FYUP in the current session. FYUP is widely being preferred for the holistic and multidisciplinary education it fosters.
Odisha’s skills oriented Centurion University of Technology and Management, is also set to offer the FYUP through its School of Undergraduate Studies, in the current 2023-24 session. The major disciplines covered includes Botany, Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Zoology, Business Administration, Commerce, Computer Applications and Information Technology. As expected the courses will have a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum in tandem with the recommendations of the National Education Policy 2020.
Speaking about the move to implement the FYUP in the current academic session, Centurion University Vice Chancellor Prof Supriya Pattanayak said, “The four-year UG program entails an extensive curriculum to equip students with the skills and knowledge essential for excellence in the 21st century. The program provides ample opportunities for students to engage in experiential learning and in research projects, pursue internships, and benefit from industry collaborations. It also allows for participation in social activities, which would not only enhance their employability but also provide them a sense of social responsibility and make them global citizens aligned to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).”
She further said that the FYUP at Centurion University is designed to foster a culture of innovation, entrepreneurship and leadership among students, who are encouraged to pursue their passions and interests beyond the classroom. Formulated with a student-centric approach, the program provides maximum flexibility in terms of choice of disciplines of study and also allows one to move from one discipline of study to another. The foremost benefit for the students is that they are getting a chance to determine their own semester-wise academic load while learning at their pace, to a considerable extent.