The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) has introduced the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP) from the July 2025 admission session. This new structure is aligned with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and includes a flexible Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit (ME–ME) system that lets students pause, exit, or rejoin their programme without losing credits.
What is FYUP?
FYUP stands for Four-Year Undergraduate Programme. It replaces the traditional 3-year degree with a more flexible 4-year model, allowing students to:
- Exit early after 1, 2, or 3 years with a recognized qualification, or
- Continue to the 4th year to earn a Bachelor’s Honours degree.
This approach follows the NEP 2020 vision of promoting academic flexibility, lifelong learning, and international compatibility.
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Duration, Exit Options, and Credit Structure
According to the IGNOU FYUP Notification (July 2025), the credit structure and exit awards are as follows:
| Year Completed | Exit Award | Total Credits | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Year (2 Semesters) | Undergraduate Certificate | 44 Credits (40 + 4 Vocational) | Earned after first year; vocational course via CRCS. |
| 2 Years (4 Semesters) | Undergraduate Diploma | 84 Credits (80 + 4 Vocational) | Eligible to re-enter Year 3 later. |
| 3 Years (6 Semesters) | Bachelor’s Degree (Major) | 120 Credits | Equivalent to traditional 3-year degree. |
| 4 Years (8 Semesters) | Bachelor’s Honours Degree | 160 Credits | Includes research/dissertation component. |
Note: For Certificate and Diploma exits, students can add a 4-credit vocational education course via the Centre for Rural and Community Studies (CRCS) to meet the 44/84 credit requirement.
Multiple Entry and Re-Entry Rules
IGNOU’s FYUP allows learners to exit and re-enter the same programme within specific timelines. This flexibility is managed through the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC).
- Exit after 1 Year → Re-enter into Year 2 later.
- Exit after 2 Years → Re-enter into Year 3 later.
- Completion Window: Re-entry to Year 2 → must finish within 4 years (2+2). Re-entry to Year 3 → within 2 years (1+1).
- New enrolment number will be issued upon re-entry, but earlier credits are carried forward.
- Re-entry allowed within 7 years of earning the initial certificate.
Lateral Entry from Other Universities (ABC-Compliant)
Students from other institutions may enter IGNOU’s FYUP through the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) system, under specific conditions:
- Lateral entry is permitted only to Year 2 (4 semesters completed).
- At least 50% of total credits must be earned from IGNOU as the degree-awarding university.
- Major and Minor subjects must match IGNOU’s offered combinations.
- Medium of instruction must also be the same.
- Original grade cards and certificates are required for verification.
- After lateral entry to Year 2, students have a maximum of 4 years (2+2) to complete the degree.
Why IGNOU Adopted FYUP
- To align with India’s National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
- To provide flexibility for learners who may need to pause or restart their studies.
- To offer recognized exit options at each stage of study.
- To include a research and specialization component in the 4th year.
- To ensure compatibility with international higher education standards.
FYUP Programmes Offered by IGNOU (July 2025 Onward)
From the July 2025 session, the following undergraduate programmes follow the FYUP structure:
- Bachelor of Arts (BAFYUP)
- Bachelor of Commerce (BCOMFYUP)
- Bachelor of Science (BSCFYUP)
- Bachelor of Social Work (BSWFYUP)
- Other UG programmes with Major–Minor combinations
Example Scenario
A student completes 2 years of the BAFYUP and earns an Undergraduate Diploma. After a gap of 3 years, they can re-enter IGNOU and join directly in Year 3 to continue towards a Bachelor’s Degree (Major) or Honours. Their previously earned credits will remain valid through the ABC system.
Benefits of FYUP for IGNOU Learners
- Flexibility to exit and rejoin studies.
- Opportunity to earn multiple qualifications.
- Integration of vocational and skill-based courses.
- Enhanced credit transfer and mobility across universities.
- Research and innovation exposure in the 4th year.
Summary
| Feature | 3-Year Degree (Old) | FYUP (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Duration | 3 Years | 4 Years |
| Exit Options | None | After 1, 2, or 3 Years |
| Final Award | Bachelor’s Degree | Bachelor’s Honours (4 Years) |
| Flexibility | Fixed Path | Multiple Entry & Exit (ME–ME) |
| Credits Stored In | University Records | Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) |
The introduction of the FYUP and ME–ME framework marks a significant milestone in IGNOU’s academic reform. It empowers learners with flexibility, mobility, and multiple pathways to complete their education. Whether you’re starting your first year or planning a re-entry, FYUP ensures that every stage of learning counts