Bengaluru: The State Congress Government has issued an order withdrawing the option for college students to study a four-year degree programme from the 2024-25 academic year. The order follows recommendations made by the State Education Policy (SEP) Commission in its interim report.

Following this order, the State Government has reverted to the conventional three-year degree programme that existed prior to 2021-22 when the State adopted the National Education Policy (NEP). The State, then under the BJP Government, was the first to adopt NEP, only to be scrapped by Congress Government which came to power in May 2023.

Standing by its decision, the Higher Education Department attributed it to extensive consultation by the SEP Commission. The recommendations were based on historical experience, the principle of overall interests of the students, equity, social justice and equal opportunity for students from different socio-economic backgrounds.