Degree in two and a half years for bright learners; four-year degree course from July

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Higher Education Minister R Bindu said that four-year undergraduate courses will be executed in universities from this academic year onwards. Classes for the four-year degree programme will begin from July 1. The minister while talking to the media said admissions will start on May 20.

The curriculum is ready, including fundamental changes. The students can choose courses according to their interest. The minister also said that the new curriculum will facilitate designing one's own degree according to the interests of the new age academic career.

Those who complete three years will get a degree and those who complete four years will obtain an honors degree. Students interested in more than one subject can choose subjects accordingly. For example, if currently physics and mathematics are compulsory along with chemistry, the new system will provide an opportunity to study chemistry along with physics and electronics, or literature and music, or just chemistry.

According to students' taste, colleges will have academic counselors as part of the new system to design studies. Bright students will have the opportunity to complete the degree in two and a half years (N minus one system). This is a system where you can earn a degree in two and a half years if you earn enough credits.

Along with regular studies, students can take courses online and use the credits earned to complete a degree/honors course. Help desk will be set up at university and college level for immediate solution of students’ queries. Maximum services will be made online.

The minister also stated that short-term industry-related courses will be started in higher education institutions to fill the skill gap. Inter-university transfer will be available for interested students.