Mumbai University approves new guidelines for its 4-year undergraduate programme, check complete details here

The rules will be starting from the 2026-27 academic year. Representational Pic/File

Mumbai University has approved new guidelines for the fourth year of its 4-year undergraduate programme. The changes introduce options for both Honours and Honours with Research, starting from the 2026-27 academic year, an official statement said on Thursday.

The move follows the recommendations of the National Education Policy, aiming to make higher education more flexible and research-focused.

The updated structure will follow the National Credit Framework, which classifies courses based on academic levels, it said.

Under this system -

- The fourth year of an undergraduate degree,

- A postgraduate diploma, and

- The first year of a two-year postgraduate course

These all fall under Level 6.0. This is expected to help students move more easily between courses and institutions, the statement said.

Structure of the 4-year programme

The degree will be completed over eight semesters. After three years, students can choose between two tracks in the fourth year.

Honours Degree

- Students must complete between 160 and 176 credits

- The final year will focus on advanced study in the main subject

- A 4-credit internship will be compulsory

Honours with Research

- Students must complete a 12-credit research project or dissertation
- The project will take place during the final two semesters

A minimum of 7.5 CGPA is required for eligibility

Eligibility for colleges

Colleges must meet certain conditions to offer these programmes -

- Institutions with postgraduate courses can offer the Honours track

- Those with both postgraduate courses and recognised research centres can offer the Honours with Research option

- Smooth Transition to Postgraduate Study

Mumbai University has stated that the first year of postgraduate study will align with the fourth year of the Honours degree. This is expected to ensure a smoother academic transition for students pursuing further education, the statement said.

Rules for autonomous colleges

It further said that the Academic Council also discussed new regulations for autonomous colleges linked to the university.

Key requirements include -

- Curricula must follow the National Education Policy

- Course names must match guidelines set by regulatory bodies

- Colleges must strictly follow university rules on passing standards and statutory regulations