Four-year degree dilemma: Implementation challenges and students' concerns

Four-year degree courses were introduced to address the issue of students leaving their state for higher education. These courses allow students to choose their preferred subjects. Parents also were hopeful towards this new opportunity as students innate apritude is prioritized. It is also discussed that converting a three-year degree to a four-year one shortens the time for further studies. However, even just as two semesters in the four year course, the promises delivered of this course remains unfulfilled, leaving even teachers confused. The situation is worse for students.

The university has announced that the second semester exams will start on the 21st of this month, but many colleges have not covered thirty percent of the subjects. It seems the three-year course was hastily converted to a four-year course without adequate preparation. Teachers are rushing to prepare syllabus and question papers, leaving little time for regular classes. With exams approaching, classes have ended in many places, and there's no point in revising without completing lessons. Teachers must prepare question papers and submit them to the university. The evaluation of the first semester papers were done in the same colleges, but the second semester evaluation is still remaning unclear.

There is no specific syllabus or clear instructions on textbooks that needs to be studied. Teachers are photocopying pages from expensive reference books and giving them to students. The students are overwhelmed. Initially, the course promised students could study a combination of subjects they liked, but most colleges don't offer many subjects which the students like. The option to study two unavailable subjects in college from online hasn't been implemented, and also it requires additional fee. The promised reduction in examination fees hasn't happened either.

Universities are strict about conditions for advancing to the fourth year, requiring a total of 75 percent marks over three years. There's a demand to withdraw this condition. If the first batch's experience is any indication, it's doubtful that future batches will succeed. It's pointless to claim improvements in higher education without implementing them. A basic degree is crucial for further studies, and any lapses therein will harm students' future. Immediate corrective measures are needed, and universities should take the initiative.