Part of the academics expressed concern about the decision of the Academic Council of the University of Calicut on the revision of the clause in the regulations for four -year university programs (FYUGP) related to the selection of smaller courses.
According to sources, provisions 7.2.13 of previous regulations, which previously stated: “Students in Majors with a smaller way choose all courses from two smaller groups offered by a different discipline than their main discipline. However, the Academic Council revised it at its 17th August 2024 after the Directive of the Ministry of Higher Education. The revised clause states: “Major students with a smaller way choose all courses from two smaller groups offered by a different discipline than their main discipline.”
P. Sulfi, a member of the Senate of the University, in a letter to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath, pointed out that he would say that if a revised clause was carried out, students of trade would be limited from a decision for minors who are in accordance with their academic interests and career aspirations. On Sarbtm Government College, Koyilandy, Kozhikode, these students would be forced to choose physics, mathematics or history. In government art and scientific universities, Nilambur, Malappuram, students would only remain with Malayalam or geography. At the KTM College of Advanced Studies, Karuvarakund, they have no choice but to opt for Arabic, such as the only other available discipline.
Mr. Sulfi said there was also the possibility of disrupting the curriculum of interdisciplinary trade. Business education is by its very essence interdisciplinary and includes commercial law, information technology, accounting and management. The revised clause undermines this integration and narrows the academic exposure.
He said that this could also have a negative impact on the readiness and employability of his career. Small courses in related domains such as professional accounting, business, tourism and business analysts increase their readiness for work. Restricting decisions negatively affects the competitiveness of students on the labor market. Given that many students from trade follow professional certifications such as Ca, CMA and CS, related minors support and consistent with these professional aspirations. The rejection of these possibilities prevents systematic preparation, he said.
However, official sources at the university said the clause was revised because it was not in line with the concept of FYUGP and national educational policy.
Meanwhile, Mr. Sulfi urged the Chancellor to allow the study board to design smaller courses with different academic identity. Councils should also be allowed to develop smaller courses suitable for students of parent departments in clearly different areas from the mainstream.
Published – 4 June 2025 9:04
