MG University in Kerala starts working on one year PG programs

Mahatma Gandhi University Kottayam Campus.

Mahatma Gandhi University, Kottayam is preparing to introduce one-year postgraduate programs by 2028, when the first batch of students admitted to its four-year undergraduate programs is scheduled to graduate.

The University Syndicate, which met on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, decided to start the preparation of new programs, including the creation of a curriculum, based on the directive of the State Council of Universities on the introduction of one-year PG courses for graduates of four-year study programs.

“The State Board of Higher Education has already directed all universities to take necessary steps to introduce one-year PG programmes. We have to design the syllabus and make other preparations and the Syndicate has decided to start the process,” said a member of the Syndicate.

Revision of syllabi

The Syndicate also decided to revise the syllabi of the existing two-year PG programmes. These courses will continue for students opting for three-year BA programs even after the introduction of one-year PG courses. However, the two-year programs are expected to eventually be phased out.

The university will also address deficiencies in the four-year honors degree programs and revise their syllabi to make them more industry-friendly, job-oriented and skill-oriented.

The syndicate further decided to re-inspect research centers which the university said were sanctioned in violation of UGC regulations during the tenure of the previous syndicate appointed by the Left Democratic Front (LDF) government. The exercise is aimed at ensuring that the centers meet the prescribed standards and maintain the quality of research.

Assistance scheme

It also approved the Hope Fund, a new aid program for students in university departments who need financial support after disasters or accidents. The fund provides assistance of up to ₹1,000 compared to ₹10,000 available under the existing student assistance scheme.

The university has already sanctioned ₹ 1 lakh under the scheme for Anand Joshi, a PhD researcher who was involved in a road accident. He is the first recipient of the Endowment Fund. Doctoral students were not covered by the current student aid system.

A student can use the hope fund only once during their studies. The University will consider factors including academic performance and behavior when making aid decisions. The student’s annual family income should not exceed ₹100,000. Insurance compensation received for the same event will not be taken into account when determining assistance.

The union also decided to restore the single vote system, which was in place until 2021, to elect student representatives to the university senate.

Published – 8 Sep 2026 20:44 IST