Latest news with #FYUGP
The Hindu
2 days ago
- Politics
- The Hindu
Textbook on knowledge systems: Calicut varsity to take decision on June 11
The University of Calicut is expected to take a decision soon on whether to follow Knowledge Systems of Kerala, the textbook brought out by the Kerala State Higher Education Council (KSHEC) as the compulsory multi-disciplinary course of the four-year undergraduate programme (FYUGP), or use its own syllabus prepared for the purpose. A senior official told The Hindu on Sunday (June 8, 2025) that a steering committee for undergraduate courses would meet on June 11 to discuss the issue. The course is mandatory for third-semester students. The KSHEC's publication in English and Malayalam covers Kerala's traditional knowledge, including cultural practices, oral narratives, performing arts, and documented literary sources. Vice-Chancellors of State universities were requested to direct their Boards of Studies to consider it a foundational resource for course design and syllabus preparation. A section of academics, however, had objected to the council imposing the textbook on universities, saying it was an infringement on the authority of the statutory academic bodies tasked with curriculum development. Meanwhile, in a letter to Vice-Chancellor P. Raveendran, Senate member Abida Farooqui sought to clear the confusion over the issue. She pointed out that the university's Board of Studies had prepared the syllabus for the Kerala Knowledge Systems course in line with the National Education Policy framework in 2024. It was later vetted by the Academic Council and faculty members. Ms. Farooqui claimed that prescribing a uniform syllabus—one that would have to be taught in translation by the departments of English, Malayalam, Arabic, Urdu, Sanskrit, and other languages—went against the grain of academic autonomy. She said that textbooks had already been prepared and classes had begun based on the university's syllabus. Ms. Farooqui added that the university should proceed with its own syllabus and inform the council of its decision.
The Hindu
6 days ago
- General
- The Hindu
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.
The Hindu
08-05-2025
- Politics
- The Hindu
Teachers return as Kannur University fails to provide answer sheets at evaluation camps
In yet another glaring lapse, Kannur University failed to provide answer sheets to teachers who arrived at the nine second semester evaluation camps of the four-year undergraduate programme (FYUGP) on Thursday, forcing many to return without commencing work. The incident has sparked protests from teacher organisations. Just days ago, the university was under fire for not providing question papers to students at several examination centres. Dr. Premachandran Keezhoth, State president of Kerala Private College Teachers Association, said the organisation would stage a protest over the university's treatment of teachers. 'Teachers arrived for evaluation based on the university's notification were sent back as answer papers were not available there. This shows blatant disrespect and mismanagement,' he said. The Government College Teachers Organisation (GCTO), Kannur University Regional Committee, condemned the university's handling of the situation. Senate member and GCTO State vice president Dr. Muhammed Ashfas C.H. criticised the university's repeated failures in exam management. 'It is the primary responsibility of the university to handle university examinations and evaluation camps with accuracy. Yet such an irresponsible approach on the part of the university is worrying both teachers and students waiting for the results,' he said. The GCTO also demanded the immediate removal of the Registrar, who currently holds additional charge as Controller of Examinations. Sources in the university said that the varsity had not received answer papers from several colleges. Now the plan is to conduct the evaluation camp on Monday. However, it is doubtful if all the papers can be collected in three days. Registrar Joby K. Jose was unavailable for comments.
New Indian Express
05-05-2025
- General
- New Indian Express
FYUGP: Students get option to fast-track degree programme in Kerala
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: As the Four Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) is set to enter its second year in the state, the higher education department, in consultation with universities, has evolved detailed guidelines for accelerated degree programme (ADP). The programme, also known as 'N minus one' enables meritorious and high-performing students to complete their undergraduate degree programme earlier than the standard duration. Students with more than 85% marks in each semester can apply for this option at the end of the second semester provided they have earned 42 credits in the first two semesters. 'As per the guidelines, such students must demonstrate strong academic performance, should complete minimum required credits as per FYUGP progression norms and have proven ability to handle additional academic load,' said a senior official. The college/university shall notify students about ADP application window at the end of the second semester. An ADP committee, chaired by the principal and the head of the department as the convener will scrutinise the applications and inform students who will have to provide written consent. Students under ADP may be shifted back to standard duration on failing to meet academic expectations. They can also seek voluntary withdrawal citing valid reasons. Once enrolled in ADP, the student must earn 91 credits in the next three semesters, averaging 30 credits per semester from the third semester onward. Besides, fast track students will need to earn eight additional credits beyond the normal load. This can be attained through online classes facilitated by the university or through UGC-offered SWAYAM courses. Conditions
The Hindu
28-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Kannur University's internal mark entry system collapses
The internal mark entry system for the second semester of the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) at Kannur University has collapsed, as the Kerala Resources for Education Administration and Planning (K-REAP) Software, operated by Maharashtra Knowledge Corporation Limited (MKCL), has become non-functional. This has left teachers unable to upload marks. The failure, coming amid ongoing errors in the university's examination system, has further deepened the academic crisis. This is the second major malfunction of MKCL's software at the university. Following the malfunction, the university, in a letter dated 11 April, extended the deadline for all affiliated colleges by rescheduling the submission date for internal marks from April 23 to May 5. Kannur University had earlier sparked controversy by handing over crucial functions, including student admissions and examinations, to MKCL without a legally binding contract — a first in Kerala. MKCL's inability to manage internal mark submission for the second semester has raised serious concerns about the reliability of upcoming academic processes. Teachers' bodies like Kerala Private College Teachers' Association and UDF Senators Forum had earlier warned that relying on MKCL's system could lead to catastrophic failure. They had urged the university during its annual Senate meeting to reconsider its engagement with MKCL, labelling the company as unreliable. The continuing technical failures have fuelled fresh demands for the university to terminate its association with MKCL and implement more robust systems to safeguard academic integrity.
