Lucknow University introduces three academic pathways for fourth year of undergraduate program

Lucknow University has introduced three distinct academic pathways for the fourth year of its four-year undergraduate program, moving away from a single-track model that previously restricted advanced options.

The reform aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 and the University Grants Commission’s Curriculum and Credit Framework for Undergraduate Programs. Previously, the fourth year offered only a “UG Honours with Research” track, which required a minimum CGPA of 7.5 and excluded students below that threshold.

Under the revised structure, students entering the seventh and eighth semesters can choose from three pathways based on their academic standing and career goals.

The first option, UG Honours with Research, remains restricted to meritorious students who maintain a minimum CGPA of 7.5 or 75% marks across their first six semesters. This track focuses on academic research and requires a 12-credit research project or dissertation completed under faculty guidance.

The second option, UG Honours with Entrepreneurship, is open to all students who have passed their first six semesters, regardless of their CGPA. Geared toward innovation, startups, and industry careers, this pathway requires 12 credits of practical entrepreneurship training at a reputed industrial institution.

The third option, standard UG Honours, is also open to all students who have passed the initial six semesters. Designed for students who prefer advanced core knowledge over research or industrial training, this track involves 12 credits of advanced coursework, with half of the instruction delivered through online MOOC portals.

Vice-Chancellor Prof JP Saini stated that the framework reflects the student-centred, inclusive, and flexible core spirit of NEP 2020, offering a platform tailored to diverse abilities and career objectives.

To operationalise the changes, the university administration has established a seven-member high-level expert committee headed by Prof Manuka Khanna. The committee is tasked with drafting detailed academic regulations, credit structures, industry mapping, and implementation guidelines, which will be submitted to the university’s statutory bodies for approval. Lucknow University has offered the four-year undergraduate program since the 2021-22 academic year.