Thiruvananthapuram: Minister R Bindu said that four year degree courses would be introduced in the state from next academic year. The structure of the courses would be changed to allow a student who opts for a degree course to also study other subjects that suit his/her aptitude. A common academic calendar for the universities would be published for unifying the various stages from the admission to issuing of certificate.
The first year of the course includes a fundamental course that deals with the basic ideas of the course. Meanwhile, those who wish for a basic three year degree can choose to end the course at that point. However, those who opt for the four year course should do research and internship in the final year and would have a project too. They would be allowed lateral entry to the PG courses so that they wouldn’t lose a year. Those who complete approved skill based courses amid the degree course would be given additional credits.
Other announcements:
Private investment would be allowed. An expert committee has been appointed to study about the recommendation of the higher education council to grant the status of university to the colleges that have excellent academic heritage. Based on this report, the private university bill would be presented in the state legislature.
PG – PhD integrated courses would be introduced. For this, the PG and PhD curriculum would be modified.
Fellowship would be granted to 100 socially and economically backwards students who do not have JRF/SRF but are interested in research. Compliant redressal cells would be initiated at the universities to deal with the complaints related to research.
A fund of Rs 5000 crore would be collected for the development activities. This would include CSR funds too.
Action would be taken to issue equivalency certificates so as to make inter university transfer easier.
More colleges and courses would be allowed in the Northern Malabar region where facilities for higher education are meagre.