HPU to implement NEP-2020 from next academic session: V-C

The officiating Vice-Chancellor of Himachal Prdaesh University (HPU), Prof SP Bansal, announced today that all preparations for the implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 have been made and the policy will effectively be implemented at the university from the upcoming academic session.

He made the announcement while chairing a high-level meeting convened to discuss the implementation strategy. Secretary (Education) Rakesh Kanwar and Director of Higher Education Dr Amarjeet Sharma were also present in the meeting.

During the meeting, Professor Bansal delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining the university’s readiness to adopt the NEP 2020. A detailed discussion was held on key components and strategies for the effective rollout of the policy across higher education institutions in the state.

The V-C stated that the university would launch new undergraduate programmes under NEP 2020, offering both three-year and four-year degree options. “These will be multidisciplinary in nature, allowing students to pursue degrees with a major and a minor subject. In the fourth year, students will have the option to pursue Honours or Honours with Research, depending on the availability of infrastructure and faculty in colleges” he said.

“The undergraduate programme under NEP will include several progressive features such as multiple entry and exit options, stream-based degree structure, integration of skill development, blending of curricular and extra-curricular activities, course flexibility and subject choices, emphasis on research and innovation, a holistic education approach and the option to earn up to 40 per cent of credits through SWAYAM and other recognised online platforms” he said.

Regarding the credit structure, Prof Bansal further added, “The credit distribution across the programme will be 44 credits for first year, 86 credits for the second year, 128 credits for the third year and 168 credits for the fourth year. The degree will comprise core courses and common courses, and a four-year Honours with research degree will be awarded upon completion of the core course requirements.”