Maharashtra Launches 4-Year Undergraduate Programs with Honours and Research

Mumbai - The Maharashtra government has approved the introduction of four-year undergraduate programs, which will include honours and honours with research degrees starting from the 2026-27 academic year. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy 2020.

The primary goal of this decision is to establish uniformity and facilitate the effective implementation of the revised four-year undergraduate structure across all public universities and affiliated colleges in the state.

According to the government resolution issued, the four-year undergraduate program will consist of eight semesters. After completing three years, students will have the option to pursue either a standard honours degree or an honours degree with research.

Students choosing the honours pathway will need to complete 160-176 credits over four years, which will include an internship component in their final year. Those who opt for the honours with research track must undertake a research project or dissertation, worth 12 credits in their major subject.

The eligibility criteria for admission to the fourth year of the honours program require students to successfully complete 120-132 credits in the first three years. Additionally, for the honours with research program, a minimum cumulative grade point average of 7.5 is mandatory.

The intake capacity for the research track will depend on the availability of recognized PhD guides, with each guide permitted to supervise up to five students.

The resolution also mandates that all students register on the Academic Bank of Credits platform to facilitate credit transfers and provide multiple entry and exit options as per the NEP framework.

Lateral entry into the fourth year will be permitted at other colleges or university departments, subject to eligibility criteria, seat availability, and the state's reservation policy.

Colleges that currently offer only three-year undergraduate programs will need to obtain permission to begin the fourth year. However, institutions already providing postgraduate courses in similar subjects can automatically introduce the fourth-year honours program. Those with recognized PhD centers can also initiate the honours with research program without extra approvals.

The evaluation system will be semester-based, incorporating continuous assessment alongside semester-end examinations. Universities will have the flexibility to determine their specific assessment patterns.

Furthermore, up to 40% of courses in a semester may be offered online, in accordance with UGC regulations.

Linking undergraduate and postgraduate education is a key aspect of this initiative. The fourth year of the honours program is designed to align with the first year of a two-year postgraduate course.

For engineering programs governed by AICTE, the fourth year will follow a separate framework, allowing options such as a single major with a minor, double minors, and honours degrees.

The government has stated that the implementation of these guidelines will be periodically reviewed by a steering committee to ensure a smooth rollout across the state.