By Our Reporter
SHILLONG, May 24: The North-Eastern Hill University (NEHU) Academic Council (AC) will address confusion surrounding the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) and seek clarification from the Pro-Vice Chancellor and the NEP coordinator, senior faculty member Lakhon Kma assured students and parents.
The move follows concerns over a rumoured clause suggesting that students who enrol in the fourth year of the FYUP would forfeit their eligibility for a three-year bachelor’s degree if they fail to clear their final-year papers, even if they have secured the required 120 credits.
Kma described the reported provision as “absurd,” stating he found no such rule in University Ordinance OC-8 or Regulation RC-12. “I have gone through the relevant ordinances and regulations repeatedly and have not come across any such provision. If such a clause exists, it must be explained and, if found arbitrary, it will have to be done away with,” Kma said.
He confirmed the issue would be formally raised during the next Academic Council meeting. Authorities will be asked to identify the source of the claim, which Kma said has caused “unnecessary anxiety.”
“If it is not part of the ordinance or regulations, then such arbitrary statements cannot be allowed to mislead students,” he added.
Reassuring the student community, Kma maintained that academic qualifications are earned through accumulated credits. Under the FYUP framework, a student is entitled to a certificate after one year, a diploma after two, and a degree after three years. These qualifications cannot be withdrawn simply because a student does not complete the fourth year.
Kma also noted that students might opt out of the fourth year due to financial constraints, medical issues, or employment, and should not be denied recognition for three years of completed work.
He acknowledged that NEHU is not yet fully prepared for the transition to the one-year postgraduate programme under the National Education Policy (NEP). He suggested students might consider conventional master’s programmes until there is more clarity.
The emergent Academic Council meeting, expected to be held next week, will also finalise the syllabi for the seventh and eighth semesters.
“We will ensure that students who have completed their three-year requirements do not suffer. Their hard work and future will not be compromised,” Kma said.
