Maharashtra Approves Four-Year Undergraduate Programmes with Honours and Research Tracks from 2026

The Maharashtra government has approved four-year undergraduate programmes under NEP 2020, introducing honours and research tracks, flexible credit systems, and stronger links between undergraduate and postgraduate education.

April 8, 2026 | Mumbai : In a significant reform aimed at transforming higher education, the Government of Maharashtra has approved the rollout of four-year undergraduate (UG) programmes with honours and research options, to be implemented from the 2026–27 academic year.

The decision, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, is expected to standardise undergraduate education across universities and affiliated colleges in the state, while also offering greater academic flexibility and research opportunities to students.

According to the government resolution, the new UG structure will span eight semesters over four years. After completing the first three years, students will have the option to either graduate with a standard degree or continue into the fourth year to pursue an honours or honours with research qualification.

Students opting for the honours track will be required to complete between 160 and 176 academic credits, including an internship component in the final year. Meanwhile, those choosing the research pathway will undertake a dissertation or research project carrying 12 credits in their major subject, reflecting a stronger emphasis on academic inquiry and specialisation.

Eligibility for entry into the fourth year will depend on successful completion of 120–132 credits during the initial three years. For the research track, students must also maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 7.5.

The policy also introduces institutional requirements for colleges offering the fourth year. Institutions with existing postgraduate programmes will be allowed to automatically introduce honours courses, while those with recognised PhD research centres can offer the honours with research option. Colleges without such facilities will need to seek approval from universities and regulatory authorities.

A key feature of the reform is the integration of undergraduate and postgraduate education. The fourth year of the honours programme will be academically aligned with the first year of a two-year postgraduate course, enabling smoother academic progression for students.

The framework also mandates student registration on the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), facilitating credit transfers and multiple entry-exit options. Additionally, up to 40 percent of coursework may be delivered through online platforms such as SWAYAM, in line with national guidelines.

The government has stated that the initiative will be periodically reviewed through a steering committee to ensure effective implementation. Education experts view the move as a step toward aligning Maharashtra’s higher education system with global academic standards while enhancing employability and research capabilities among graduates.

However, challenges remain, particularly for colleges lacking postgraduate departments or research infrastructure, which may need to upgrade facilities to comply with the new requirements.

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