While autonomous colleges in Mumbai are looking at a four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP) in 2026, students still remain uncertain about the additional year. According to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the education system, which once followed the 10+2+3 timeline for school, junior college, and graduation, is to jump into a 5+3+3+4 structure, where adolescents can attend four years at the last stage, with the option to exit after any year.
Despite the option to pick the fourth year inching closer, many undergraduates across autonomous colleges in the city still remain on the fence, while some even opted for placements, which automatically removes them from the fourth year at a few colleges. Given the slow response, principals across the city are recalibrating their year four plans.
“We have already asked all our students for a response; however, only seven to eight from each class are certain about opting for the fourth year. Seeing that only 10-20 per cent of the student body has shown interest in the FYUP thus far, while others are still making up their minds,” Anushree Lokur, principal of Ramnarain Ruia College, told mid-day. “We already have robust MSc departments, which is why offering a fourth year to our BSc students will be easier,” she added.
New concept
In a few colleges, the general pattern saw a larger number of BSc students showing interest in the fourth year compared to students from other disciplines. At Matunga’s RA Podar College, pupils studying BSc Data Science displayed eagerness to join the fourth year. “Our commerce students who are opting for Chartered Accountancy exams will be pursuing their articleship or appearing for the final examination next year, which is why many won’t opt for the fourth year. Thus far, only 20-30 per cent of our student body has displayed interest, while most others are curious and are making up their minds. We are still circulating Google forms regarding the fourth year honours participation among the students and hope that the number of takers will increase in the coming months,” said Principal Vinita Pimpale.
NEP regulations only allow those with a 7.5 cumulative grade point average or higher to become a part of the fourth year. If the intake capacity in colleges is larger than the number of interested students, pupils can also opt for lateral entries. “We will be allowing students to laterally enter the fourth year at St Xavier’s College, provided that equivalence is met or the students take up the necessary shortfall courses,” said Principal Karuna Gokarn.
“Students will only be awarded the certificate for the fourth year from the college while their degree will come from the institute that they spent the majority of their course in,” she added. Thus far, the South Mumbai college has seen 25-30 per cent of students across various fields show interest in the fourth year, while college heads believe that the number will go up in the coming days.
At Narsee Monjee College, popular for its commerce and finance courses, the student body is still coming forward to show interest in the FYUP. “Most of our pupils opt for professional courses like MBA, CA, CFA, or want to start their own business venture or already have a family business where they can contribute. Thus far, pupils who are keen to study abroad are the ones who are eyeing the fourth year,” said Principal Parag Ajgaonkar. The principal noted that more students are willing to take up year four if the classes are conducted in the morning, instead of the evening. However, accommodating all students in the first shift becomes difficult, he said.
At the neighbouring Mithibai College, 25-30 per cent of students have expressed interest in joining the fourth year thus far. “The fourth year is a completely new concept for the students, which is why the shift towards the concept is gradual. In the years to come, the students and recruiters alike will be vying for this option,” said Principal Krutika Desai.
In the meantime, heads from autonomous colleges still await state SOPs on the implementation of the fourth year, while others await clarity on the separation of junior colleges from senior colleges to make way for fourth-year students. As per Mumbai University Vice-Chancellor Dr Ravindra Kulkarni, SOPs on the fourth year programme can be expected by January 2026. “However most details about the FYUP have been laid out by previous GRs,” he said.
Pros of new system
The educationists believe that the fourth year will play a crucial role in settling the curriculum ‘dilution’ debate. Education heads say that the fourth year can draw the focus towards core subjects again, since the first three years offer ample extracurricular activities and open electives.
Commenting on the subject, Dr Kulkarni said, “The fourth year is an excellent option, especially for those students who once wished to study abroad or want to master their core subjects. However, the multiple entry-exit policy of the NEP can still allow these students to leave or rejoin their course at any point. Any third-year student who is unwilling to adopt the fourth year at the moment can turn back to it in the future, provided they meet all academic criteria.”
City students open up about their plans
TYBA Sociology, female, 20
“I am certain about enrolling for the fourth year, as I have plans to go study abroad. Getting 16 years of education becomes simpler with the fourth year, and I also think it will help me understand research methodologies better.”
TYBMS, male, 20
“Two-year MBA remains more prominent than a one-year MBA in India, which is why I am not very keen on the four-year course. However, I am still deciding. In the meantime, I am applying for placements at my college and will prefer a corporate experience if I get one.”
TYBA Political Science + Economics, female, 20
“Personally, I am sticking to a three-year degree because I don’t want to spend more time on research. At the moment, I am looking for placements in the social impact consulting sector.”
TYBCom, female 20
“I am still uncertain about my decision. The number of hours we require to put into the fourth year may impact my decision, especially if I am trying to go abroad. I am an outstation student, so getting a job in Mumbai may make me exit after year three too.”
