Concern over revision of FYUGP regulations in Calicut varsity
A section of academics has expressed concern over the decision of the academic council of the University of Calicut to revise a clause in the regulations for the four-year undergraduate programmes (FYUGP) related to the selection of minor courses.
According to sources, clause 7.2.13 of the regulations earlier said, 'Students in major with minor pathway shall choose all the courses from two minor groups offered by a discipline other than their major discipline. In some cases, students are allowed to take both the major and minor courses offered by the same teaching department, provided that the said minor courses belong to a discipline other than the major discipline.' However, it was revised by the academic council in its meeting on August 17, 2024, following a directive from the Higher Education department. The revised clause states: 'Students in major with minor pathway shall choose all the courses from two minor groups offered by a discipline other than their major discipline.'
P. Sulfi, Senate member of the university, in a letter to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, pointed out that this would affect the academic and career prospects of students, especially those pursuing BCom courses across affiliated colleges that offer limited programmes. He claimed that if the revised clause was implemented, Commerce students would be restricted from opting for minors that align with their academic interests and career aspirations. In SARBTM Government College, Koyilandy, Kozhikode, these students would be forced to choose Physics, Mathematics, or History. In Government Arts and Science College, Nilambur, Malappuram, the students would be left with only Malayalam or Geography. In KTM College of Advanced Studies, Karuvarakkundu, they have no choice but to opt for Arabic, being the only other discipline available.
Mr. Sulfi said that there was also a possibility of disruption of the interdisciplinary commerce curriculum. Commerce education is inherently interdisciplinary, encompassing Business Law, Information Technology, Accounting, and Management. The revised clause undermines this integration and narrows academic exposure.
He said that it could also have a negative impact on career readiness and employability. Minor courses in related domains such as Professional Accounting, Entrepreneurship, Tourism, and Business Analytics enhance their job readiness. Restricting the choices negatively affects students' competitiveness in the job market. Since many Commerce students pursue professional certifications such as CA, CMA, and CS, related minors support and align with these professional aspirations. Denial of these options hampers systematic preparation, he said.
Official sources in the university, however, said that the clause was revised as it was not in line with the concept of the FYUGP and the National Education Policy.
Mr. Sulfi, meanwhile, urged the Chancellor to allow the Board of Studies the autonomy to design minor courses with distinct academic identity. The boards should also be permitted to develop minor courses suitable for the students of parent departments in clearly distinct areas from the major stream.
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