3-2-1 Formula: NU Revises NEP Course Pattern Within a Year of Implementation

Nagpur: Nagpur University has revised the course structure introduced under the National Education Policy (NEP) for the 2024–25 academic session. Vice-chancellor Manali Kshirsagar confirmed that a circular detailing the changes will be issued on Wednesday.Under the revised framework approved by the Academic Council, students will study three subjects in the first year (Semesters I and II), choose a major and minor in the second year (Semesters III and IV), and continue only with the major from the third year (Semester V onwards). The model is being referred to as the "3-2-1 formula."Students will also have the option of pursuing a four-year bachelor's honours degree or a research-oriented degree, which would make them eligible for direct admission to PhD programmes without a master's degree.Under the earlier NEP structure implemented last year, students were required to choose their major subject in the first semester. University officials said many students struggled to make this decision immediately after Class XII, prompting the revision.Other changes include a 60:40 theory-practical evaluation ratio and the introduction of an Indian Knowledge System elective. Officials indicated that such revisions are expected to continue in phases over the coming years, as directed by the state govt. They also noted that the earlier structure risked creating staff imbalances across departments.However, the sudden revision has drawn criticism from sections of the academic community. Faculty members argued that at least one batch should have been allowed to complete the existing pattern before introducing further changes. The NEP rollout last year had already led to implementation challenges, including confusion over subjects, evaluation methods, and discrepancies in results.Teachers also raised concerns that students opting for subjects such as English Literature or Chemistry will now be required to study two additional subjects in the first year, regardless of aptitude. They warned that admissions and workload distribution in the second year could become more complex, as current admissions are still being made under the three-subject structure rather than a fixed major-based system.