The implementation of FYUP in DU was scrappe in 2014 after protests b
FOUR-YEAR UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAMME (FYUP)
WHAT IS IT?
The structure of the current undergraduate course will be changed to add a four-year programme allowing students to opt for a three-year honours course, a four-year honours course, or a four-year honours with research.
Under these three options, in addition to the existing courses, students will learn an extra language and literature course, a course on social and emotional learning, another on innovation and entrepreneurship, and ethics and culture as part of a ‘holistic curriculum’ with a multidisciplinary approach.
WHAT ARE
THE LIKELY ADVANTAGES?
The idea, said officials, is to switch to a modern higher education format in tune with the global higher education structure, and promote interdisciplinary learning and research at the undergraduate level.
CRITICISMS LEVELLED AT THE POLICY
Teachers have pointed out one year of additional learning will incur expenses that students may not be able to bear. The addition of the fourth year will put an additional burden on college infrastructure in terms of classrooms, labs, etc.
MULTIPLE ENTRY-EXIT SCHEME (MEES) WHAT IS IT?
As envisaged in the New Education Policy, MEES will allow students to exit at the end of first year with a certificate, and after the second year with a diploma. These students will also be permitted to rejoin the program later on. There is no fixed timeframe for the entry and exit to courses. DU has planned that an entrance test must be conducted for the lateral entry of students from other universities registered under the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) system, whereas re-entry may be allowed for DU students.
WHAT ARE THE LIKELY ADVANTAGES?
In order to allow flexible curricular structures, NEP allows offering multiple entry and exit points. This creates the possibilities for life-long learning and will assist those who have to quit higher education due to financial crises or other impediments.
CRITICISMS LEVELLED AT THE POLICY
Teachers have argued that the move will legitimise, and even incentivise, dropouts and will adversely impact female students and those from marginalised groups. They also said the relevance of such policies on the job prospects of a student remains unclear.
ACADEMIC BANK OF CREDITS (ABC) WHAT IS IT?
ABC will digitally store academic credits earned from various recognised universities for different courses. Paired with MEES, the system will allow students to exit a course at any point and save their academic credits for use in other universities. Students can also earn credit from SWAYAM, the government’s online repository of courses. DU has decided that credits for non-core courses can be earned through other universities.
WHAT ARE THE LIKELY ADVANTAGES?
The NEP argues that this will allow students more control in terms of what they want to learn and leaves ample scope for course correction, should they wish. These also give impetus to the blended learning mode. The UGC has said the move will ‘percolate autonomy to the lowest level i.e. students.’
CRITICISMS LEVELLED AT THE POLICY
Allowing students to earn credits through online courses will dilute the quality of education and will also reduce the need for teachers. For instance, out of 196 credits for FYUP with research, only 84 credits are allotted to core courses i.e. 57% of credits can be earned from other universities thereby reducing workload.