Dr. Ranoj Pegu, Hon’ble Education Minister, Government of Assam, on Friday released the Guidelines for Operationalisation of the 4th Year of the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP) for affiliated colleges under Gauhati University, along with the NEP Ready Reckoner 2026 and an FAQ Booklet on FYUGP Fourth Year. The release was held at the University campus in the presence of Vice Chancellor Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, representatives of the Assam College Principals’ Council and other dignitaries.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Pegu congratulated Gauhati University on preparing the guideline, calling it the first such guideline prepared by the university, and thanked the team behind the accompanying FAQ booklet. “Whenever we face any complication, or a crisis, or a confusing matter, we will not react. We will act,” he said, adding that addressing such issues called for calm deliberation, identification of stakeholders, and timely consultation before matters move into public debate. He further described the State government as a responsive one, stating that it would intervene promptly wherever advance indication of an issue was received.
The welcome address was delivered by Prof. Utpal Sarma, Registrar and the inaugural address was delivered by Prof. Nani Gopal Mahanta, Vice Chancellor followed by the address by Dr. Ranoj Pegu. The vote of thanks was proposed by Prof. Rajib Handique, Academic Registrar.
In his inaugural address, Prof. Mahanta acknowledged that the transition to the Fourth Year had brought genuine operational challenges, but described these as an opening rather than an obstacle. “A challenging situation can be approached in two ways: one way is that we give in and let the challenge overtake us. But the challenge also gives us an opportunity — an opportunity to redefine, an opportunity to reroute. We have taken this challenge as an opportunity,” he said.
The guidelines provide a clear roadmap for the introduction of the 4th year through two pathways, Honours and Honours with Research, in line with the vision of NEP 2020. A key provision allows all colleges offering Major programmes to begin the 4th year even without postgraduate programmes. For the 2026–27 academic session, special relaxations have been built in to ensure a smooth transition, including admission to the Honours pathway for students with backlogs, and simplified provisions for research supervision and infrastructure. The guidelines further enable eligible students completing the 4th year to pursue direct PhD admission, opening up new pathways for higher learning and research.
Dr. Pegu also spoke on the State’s broader higher education reforms, including the rationalisation of outdated academic programmes and the introduction of industry-designed courses, citing Assam’s first such programme designed entirely by industry. He further outlined the government’s approach to regulating self-finance courses across universities and colleges, stating that such programmes would either be brought under clear regulatory norms or discontinued, with safeguards to ensure faculty are paid sustainable salaries.
Prof. Mahanta further acknowledged the contributions of the Council Chairperson in shaping the operational details, and noted that the NEP Ready Reckoner had been designed in a pictorial format to make the student journey, from admission through to completion and evaluation, easy to follow for students, faculty and principals alike. He clarified that the document was not final in nature and that further suggestions from stakeholders, including the Assam College Teachers’ Association and the Assam College Principals’ Council, would be incorporated in the days ahead.
The event was attended by Deans of faculties, faculty members, Secretary of University Classes, principals of affiliated colleges, academicians, and other dignitaries, reflecting what the university described as a collaborative effort toward the smooth implementation of the National Education Policy 2020.