Bihar government opposes 4-yr degree programme under CBCS proposed by governor
The implementation of four-year bachelor's degree programs seems to have encountered an obstacle. The Bihar Education Department had previously advised the vice-chancellors of state universities against introducing four-year bachelor's degree programs. This directive followed the order of Bihar Governor Rajendra Arlekar, who had instructed the commencement of four-year bachelor's degrees with honors in science, arts, and commerce, replacing the existing three-year graduation programs in the state. However, the state government has now requested the governor to reconsider this decision.
On June 15, KK Pathak, the Additional Chief Secretary of the Department of Education, Bihar, sent a letter to Balendra Shukla, Officer on Special Duty (Judicial) at the Governor's Secretariat, urging him to reconsider the governor's decision to launch the four-year graduation program under the Choice Based Credit System (CBCS), as reported by The Indian Express. In the letter, Pathak stated, "It appears that... the Hon'ble Chancellor has been pleased to approve the Ordinance and Regulations for the Bachelor of Arts/Science/Commerce (Honours) 4-Year Programme under Choice Based Credit System (CBCS) as per UGC Regulation (Curriculum and Credit Framework for Undergraduate Programmes) for its introduction in the Universities of Bihar under relevant provisions of the Bihar State Universities Act, 1976, Patna Universities Act, 1976, Nalanda Open Universities Act, 1995, and Aryabhatta Knowledge University Act, 2008 as amended up-to-date."
Pathak also highlighted several challenges faced by state institutions in implementing the four-year undergraduate programs. He emphasized the need to prioritize the regularization of delayed sessions. The additional chief secretary stressed that the universities' capacity to implement a new course should be evaluated comprehensively, particularly in terms of their ability to manage and successfully conclude their ongoing programs. The Governor, who serves as the ex-officio chancellor of universities, had approved the Ordinance and Regulations for the Bachelor of Arts/Science/Commerce (Honours) 4-Year course under CBCS, following a high-level meeting chaired by Governor Arlekar in April of this year. As of now, the Governor's office has not responded to the letter from KK Pathak.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has developed the course structure for a four-year undergraduate program, which includes eight semesters. Upon completing one year consisting of two semesters, students would receive a certificate. This course structure has been adopted by several universities, including Delhi University.