Calcutta University (CU) has raised concerns over academic quality following its decision to allow students to progress into the fourth year of their degree programme after securing a minimum of just 30% marks in all papers across the first six semesters. Previously, a minimum of 40% was required to earn an honours degree, failing which students were awarded a pass-graduation degree.
A notice was issued by the university stating, “To continue in the honours with research course, students have to secure a minimum of 30 marks in all papers for the first six semesters, including the summer internship…” However, this has sparked questions among a section of college principals and teachers, who wonder how a student with only 30% marks can successfully navigate the rigors of the fourth year.
One college principal remarked, “It is practically impossible for a student who has scraped through with bare pass marks in the first six semesters to bridge the gap and secure the 75% marks required to pursue honours with research in the fourth year. They may reappear for tests to improve their CGPA, but making up such a massive deficit won’t be easy. We have already counselled our students, advising those without satisfactory marks that it is better to exit after the sixth semester.”
Echoing these concerns, another principal said, “Many students approached us before choosing the exit option. While they have the choice to move to the seventh semester with a minimum of 30% marks, doing so without a clear goal will only result in losing a year without adding real value. We told our students that only those who are confident about spending an extra year to experience ‘Honours with Research’ should pursue it; otherwise, spending a whole year just for an honours degree is unwise. Furthermore, I see no logic in reducing the minimum benchmark from 40% to 30%. It is bound to impact academic quality.”
Clarifying the matter, CU vice-chancellor Asutosh Ghosh said, “Earlier, when 40% was specified for an honours degree, students who fell short were awarded a general degree certificate. That is no longer possible as the entire format has changed. If a student wants to move to the seventh semester, we cannot restrict them because they are already enrolled in the course. However, a minimum of 75% marks is strictly required if they want to pursue honours with research.” He added that students who consistently score poorly will only receive a graduation with honours degree at the end of the fourth year.
However, several students from various colleges affiliated with CU are confused whether they should leave or continue. Sudipto Banerjee, a sixth semester student of a CU college said, “I took an exit but did not complete my internship, so it makes more sense for me to continue into the seventh and eighth semesters. I will opt to re-enter as soon as the edit window is activated.”
Anwesha Tarafdar, a student from a south Kolkata college, added, “If I complete the fourth year, my master’s programme will only be for one year. So, I think continuing for another year is better for me. However, if I fail to secure above 75%, I don’t know what my options will be.”
The VC emphasized that the decision ultimately rests with the students. “Students should take a final call on whether they want to continue or exit after the sixth semester. We have already held a meeting with college principals to explain the entire framework so they can better understand it and guide their students before any final decisions are made, especially since this is the first batch under the new system,” he added.
The four-year degree programme was introduced in CU-affiliated colleges in 2023 under the National Education Policy (NEP). Students who choose to exit after the sixth semester will have the option to pursue a traditional two-year master’s programme under the NEP or choose other career paths.
