Mumbai University Weighs Dual-Degree Path for 4-Year UG Students Under NEP

Students pursuing four-year undergraduate programmes at University of Mumbai may soon have the option to earn two degrees, as part of reforms aligned with the National Education Policy 2020. The proposal, discussed in a recent university meeting, suggests that students exiting after three years will receive a regular bachelor’s degree in their core subject, while completion of the fourth year could lead to an additional honours degree—either in the same discipline or an allied field.

The plan also allows flexibility through lateral entry, enabling students to pursue their fourth year in another college or university department, or even shift to a related subject area. In addition, students may choose between an Honours degree, Honours with Research, or a postgraduate diploma after completing four years, depending on their academic goals.

However, the proposal has raised questions among college principals, who have termed the dual-degree concept “unusual” and sought greater clarity. For instance, a student pursuing BCom in Accounting and Finance (BAF) could exit after three years with a BAF degree and then complete the fourth year to earn an honours degree—potentially in an allied field like financial management. Some educators have suggested that introducing postgraduate programmes, such as MAF, could be a more straightforward alternative.

University officials, however, defended the move, emphasising that multidisciplinary learning is central to NEP 2020. They noted that the fourth year is being treated as equivalent to a master’s-level entry, where students from related disciplines can converge. Officials also pointed out that the concept of multiple qualifications is not new, as students exiting earlier programmes have previously been awarded diplomas before returning to complete higher degrees.

While an official circular is yet to be issued, the proposal signals a shift towards flexible, multi-entry and multi-exit pathways in higher education, though its implementation will require clearer guidelines for institutions and students alike.