India (Commmonwealth Union)_ Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) has recently made significant changes to its two-year Master of Science (MSc) programme in the School of Biotechnology (SBT). In alignment with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the university has introduced a flexible entry and exit system that will offer students more options in their academic journey. This revised structure includes the introduction of two new courses: a Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology and a one-year MSc (Research) in Biotechnology. The proposal for these programmes was approved by the university’s academic council in October after being reviewed by a special committee in May.
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The one-year MSc (Research) programme is designed for students already pursuing an MSc in Biotechnology. It provides them with a unique opportunity to focus intensively on research for their final year, culminating in a thesis. This track is aimed at those who wish to deepen their research experience while completing their MSc studies more quickly. According to the proposal, students who wish to join the MSc (Research) programme must have completed the first year of their MSc in Biotechnology or a related field. Additionally, they must fulfill the admission requirements, which include passing a national-level entrance exam or adhering to JNU’s specific admission policies.
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Notably, only vacant seats in the MSc Biotechnology programme will be filled by students opting for the one-year research track, and the programme will run alongside the second-year MSc students in the School of Biotechnology. Students enrolled in this research-focused track will be expected to carry out high-quality research projects and will also have the option to take additional courses that will provide a theoretical foundation for their research in biotechnology. In addition to the MSc (Research) option, JNU has also introduced the Postgraduate Diploma in Biotechnology as an exit option for students who wish to leave the MSc programme after one year.
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This diploma will be awarded to students who complete at least two semesters of the MSc programme, earning the requisite 51 credits across theory, practicals, and core components. The diploma provides students with a formal qualification, offering them a shorter academic commitment while still providing valuable skills in biotechnology. Importantly, there will be no separate admissions process for the diploma. It will serve as an exit pathway for MSc students who choose to leave after their first year. These changes reflect JNU’s commitment to aligning its academic structure with the flexible, student-centric framework laid out in NEP 2020.
The NEP encourages educational adaptability and research-focused learning, with multiple entry and exit points that cater to the diverse needs of students. By introducing these new pathways, JNU is providing students with more opportunities to tailor their higher education to their individual goals. The new MSc programmes also follow the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) Curriculum & Credit Framework, which supports a two-year Master’s programme with an optional second year dedicated to research. JNU’s initiative is designed to ensure that students can pursue a deep, research-oriented education while maintaining flexibility in their academic plans.
According to an official from SBT, while these new programmes might seem like additions, they are essentially an extension of the existing MSc programme at the university. Other departments, including the School of Life Sciences, are also adopting the same structure for specific courses. The official emphasized that the one-year MSc (Research) and Postgraduate Diploma will run as part of the existing MSc framework, providing students with clear options to either exit early with a diploma or continue their studies to complete the full MSc degree. Students from other universities will also be eligible to apply for the one-year MSc (Research) programme, provided they meet the entrance requirements specified by JNU’s admission policy. This inclusive approach will provide access to JNU’s research-driven environment for students from all over the country.
