Lucknow University will become the first university in the country to admit students in the fourth year of the four-year undergraduate programme as per the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

Following UGC guidelines, the students taking admission in fourth year of UG programme will be given a degree of UG Honours with Research. As envisioned by NEP 2020, students leaving after one year will get awarded with a certificate, after 2 years with a diploma, after 3 years with a graduation degree. 

As per the UG ordinance of University of Lucknow, students securing a CGPA (cumulative grade point average) of 7.5 or above after completion of semester VI will be eligible for admission to Semester VII of fourth year. All eligible students will be given the option of choosing to continue into semester VII and the transition will not be essential or compulsory. It is completely up to the free will of the student. Students will also be able to pursue their fourth year only in their principal major, which they had chosen in semester V. 

University of Lucknow has also previously notified that only colleges that have approved postgraduate programmes in the principal major of the students will be allowed to run the fourth-year programme. Students who want to pursue fourth year but are in colleges that do not offer fourth year will not be left in the lurch. Such students can seek admission in university and in other colleges offering fourth year. Admissions will be based on seat availability and merit. These processes have been finalized. 

Students of University of Lucknow in their semester 7 will be studying 3 core courses, 2 optional courses, research methodology and will dedicate the entire semester 8 to research which will be submitted in the form of dissertation. The fourth year will be primarily dedicated at specializing and super specializing in their chosen majors. The departments have been encouraged to offer greater variety of options in each of the optionals, so that the freedom and flexibility envisioned by NEP 2020 is achieved in letter and spirit. Students successfully completing their fourth year are eligible for appearing for NET examination and also for pursuing doctoral studies without a postgraduate degree

“This innovative programme is designed to provide students with a fast-tracked, intensive learning experience, equipping them with the skills and knowledge required to excel in their respective fields in a shorter timeframe. Each programme is meticulously curated to ensure a comprehensive and rigorous curriculum, blending theoretical knowledge with practical applications”, said, Prof. Alok Kumar Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Lucknow. 
The University of Lucknow has always been at the forefront of educational advancements, and this is a testament to its continuous efforts to innovate and adapt to the evolving educational landscape.