FYUGP

Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) / Honours Degree

The Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP)/ Honours Degree is a newly restructured undergraduate education model introduced in line with the UGC’s Curriculum and Credit Framework for Undergraduate Programmes (CCFUP) 2023. It is part of a national reform effort under NEP 2020 (National Education Policy) to modernize higher education in India, making it more flexible, multidisciplinary, and globally competitive.

This programme replaces the older 3-year CBCSS pattern and introduces three clear pathways for completion, giving students more choices based on their career aspirations—whether it's employment, higher studies, or research

Who Can Join

The FYUGP / Honours Programme is designed for students who seek deeper academic engagement, greater flexibility in choosing subjects, opportunities for research or interdisciplinary learning, and a future-ready degree that supports careers in higher studies, research, or diverse professional fields both in India and abroad.

Key Features

• Flexible Degree Options: FYUGP offers three pathways – 3-year UG Degree, 4-year UG Degree (Honours), and 4-year UG Degree (Honours with Research) based on student goals.
• Multiple Exit Points: Students can complete the degree in standard (N semesters), accelerated (N–1 semesters), or extended (N+2 semesters) duration.
• Choice-Based & Multidisciplinary Curriculum: Students can combine Major and Minor subjects across disciplines (e.g., Physics + Economics), enabling flexible and broad learning.
• New Curriculum Structure: Includes General Foundation Courses, Discipline Specific Courses (Major/Minor), and Capstone Projects or Internships for comprehensive learning.
• Switching the Major: Students can change their Major at the end of the second semester to a Minor or MDC studied in the first year.
• Research and Project Focus: Honours with Research students must complete a guided research project in their major discipline, earning 12 credits.
• Skill-Oriented & Employability-Driven: Courses focus on 21st-century skills like communication and critical thinking, with internships and community engagement included.
• Credit-Based Learning & Deposit System: Students earn 133–177 credits with 16–30 per semester. Credits are stored, transferred, and redeemed via the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC).
• Flexible Learning Modes: Credits can be earned through SWAYAM and other recognized platforms, allowing self-paced and blended learning.
• Recognition for Co-curricular Activities: Additional credits and grace marks are given for participation in NCC, NSS, sports, arts, student unions, and social service.

How FYUGP Differs from CBCSS

The FYUGP differs from the CBCSS pattern by offering a four-year flexible structure with multiple entry-exit options, credit transfer through ABC, multidisciplinary combinations, mandatory internships, and a strong focus on research and skill development, unlike the fixed three-year structure of CBCSS

Credit & Credit Requirements

Credit is a unit used to measure the amount of academic work a student has completed. It reflects the time and effort a student puts into a course, including classroom learning, practical, assignments, and independent study. The credit requirement as follows

For 3-Year Degree: 133 credits

For 4-Year Honours: 177 credits (with 8-credit project)

For 4-Year Honours with Research: 177 credits (with 12-credit research project)

Assessment and Grading

The FYUGP assessment system is based on two key components: Continuous Comprehensive Assessment (CCA) and End Semester Evaluation (ESE). CCA is conducted by the faculty throughout the semester and includes class tests, assignments, and seminars to ensure continuous learning. ESE is held at the end of each semester by the college to assess the overall understanding of the subject through written exams, practicals, or project evaluations. Together, CCA and ESE provide a balanced and comprehensive evaluation of student performance.

Student Support System

The FYUGP includes a well-structured student support system to guide and assist learners throughout their academic journey. Each student is assigned a Faculty Advisor (FA) who offers academic guidance, monitors progress, and helps in course selection. A Senior Faculty Advisor (SFA) supervises the process, supports the FAs, and ensures consistency across departments.

The support system also includes a Grievance Redressal Mechanism with multiple levels (department, college, and university) to address academic concerns fairly and transparently. These systems ensure that students receive timely advice, emotional support, and academic clarity, creating a student-friendly and inclusive learning environment.

Opportunities After FYUGP

The FYUGP equips students with academic depth, research exposure, and skill-based training, opening a wide range of opportunities in India and abroad. Graduates of the 4-year Honours or Honours with Research programme are eligible for direct admission to postgraduate programmes, including one-year Master’s degrees and integrated Ph.D. programmes, as per NEP 2020. They can also pursue higher studies abroad, as the 4-year degree aligns with international standards, making them eligible for PG programmes in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.

In the job market, FYUGP graduates are prepared for roles in education, research, civil services, corporate sector, banking, public sector undertakings (PSUs), IT, data analysis, environmental agencies, NGOs, journalism, entrepreneurship, and more. The multidisciplinary approach and skill-oriented training also boost their employability in global markets and competitive exams like UPSC, PSC, SSC, NET, and others.

Inter-College Transfer 2025 – Nirmala College Muvattupuzha (Autonomous)

Guidelines for Inter College Major Transfer

1. Eligibility: Only students studying in Semester III of the FYUGP are eligible to apply for a change in their Major. Applications must follow the official guidelines set by the University and the College.
2. Subject Criteria: Students can shift to a new Major only if the subject was studied earlier as a Minor (DSC B/C) or an MDC during Semesters I and II. This ensures the student has prior exposure to the subject.
3. Programme Availability: The new Major must be one of the disciplines currently offered by Nirmala College. Requests for Majors not available at the college will not be considered.
4. MDC to Major: If the new Major was studied only as an MDC, the student must complete two additional 100-level DSC courses in that subject. This is essential to meet the programme’s academic requirements.
5. Credit Responsibility: It is the student’s responsibility to acquire the necessary credits for the new Major. These credits must be earned through approved courses within the academic structure.
6. Vacancy Rule: Major shifting is allowed only if there are vacant seats in the desired programme as created or sanctioned by the university. Students should confirm seat availability before submitting the application.
7. Merit-Based Selection: A rank list will be prepared based on the weighted average of grade points in the relevant subject(s) from Semesters I and II. Students with higher grade point averages will receive priority in the allotment.

Procedure for Inter College Major Transfer

1. Students must apply for inter-college transfer to Nirmala College, Muvattupuzha (Autonomous) through the official website: www.nirmalacollege.ac.in.
2. Only those who have passed all courses in Semester I and II of the FYUGP programme are eligible to apply.
3. After submitting the online application, students must take a printout, fill in the required details, and get the form signed by both the student and parent or guardian.
4. The signed application form must be submitted to the College Office.
5. Students must attach a certificate from the Principal of the current college confirming that they have not been involved in ragging or misconduct, along with copies of the Semester I and II mark lists.
6. The last date for submission will be as per the inter-college transfer schedule published by Mahatma Gandhi University.
7. A rank list based on the total credit points secured will be published on the college website.
8. Admission will be conducted according to the guidelines of the Department of Higher Education, Government of Kerala, and Mahatma Gandhi University.

Major Switching (College Level)

Guidelines for Major Programme Switching

1. Eligibility: Only students studying in Semester III of the FYUGP at Nirmala College are eligible to apply for a change in their Major. Applications must follow the official guidelines set by the University and the College.
2. Subject Criteria: Students can shift to a new Major only if the subject was studied earlier as a Minor (DSC B/C) or an MDC during Semesters I and II. This ensures the student has prior exposure to the subject.
3. Programme Availability: The new Major must be one of the disciplines currently offered by Nirmala College. Requests for Majors not available at the college will not be considered.
4. MDC to Major: If the new Major was studied only as an MDC, the student must complete two additional 100-level DSC courses in that subject. This is essential to meet the programme’s academic requirements.
5. Credit Responsibility: It is the student’s responsibility to acquire the necessary credits for the new Major. These credits must be earned through approved courses within the academic structure.
6. Vacancy Rule: Major shifting is allowed only if there are vacant seats in the desired programme as created or sanctioned by the university. Students should confirm seat availability before submitting the application.
7. Merit-Based Selection: A rank list will be prepared based on the weighted average of grade points in the relevant subject(s) from Semesters I and II. Students with higher grade point averages will receive priority in the allotment.

Procedure for Major Programme Switching

1. Students must log in to the Nirmala College FYUGP Portal using their credentials and access the Major Switching application form.
2. All necessary details, including accurate entry of grade points, must be filled in. Students should then select the preferred Major from the list of disciplines available at the college and save their preference.
3. After submitting the form online, the student must take a printout, carefully check all the entered information, and ensure that the application form is duly signed by both the student and a parent/guardian.
4. The signed application form, along with copies of the Semester I and II-mark lists, must be submitted to the Faculty Advisor (Class Teacher) for verification and recommendation.
5. Once verified and recommended, the student must personally submit the application packet to the Nodal Officer for final processing.
6. Based on the grade points secured in the relevant subject, a rank list will be published, and allotment to the new Major will be completed within one week from the beginning of regular classes.

Schedule for Major Switching

• Start of Application: 03 June 2025
• Last Date to Apply: 05 June 2025
• Publication of Rank List: 07 June 2025
• Completion of Major Shifting (College Level): 09 June 2025