Himachal Pradesh University (HPU), Shimla, is set to undergo a major transformation in its undergraduate (UG) programs with the adoption of a semester system for all courses starting from the academic session 2026-27. This shift, mandated under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, replaces the longstanding annual examination system and promises to bring greater flexibility, continuous evaluation, and alignment with global educational standards. Announced through an official notification by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mahavir Singh, the change has been directed to principals of all 137 affiliated colleges across the state, signaling a unified push towards NEP implementation.

The transition comes after the Himachal Pradesh government issued a directive on April 1, 2026, urging universities to adopt the semester model. While postgraduate (PG) programs at HPU have long operated on semesters, UG courses—serving lakhs of students annually—will now follow suit. This move is part of broader NEP goals to foster multidisciplinary learning, skill development, and research-oriented education, addressing longstanding issues like rote learning and rigid curricula in Indian higher education.

NEP 2020: The Driving Force Behind the Semester Shift

The National Education Policy 2020, approved by the Union Cabinet in July 2020, envisions a holistic overhaul of India's education system. A core recommendation is the shift to semester-based UG programs to promote continuous assessment and learner-centric pedagogy. NEP emphasizes a credit-based framework with multiple entry and exit options, allowing students to exit after one year with a certificate, two years with a diploma, three years with a degree, or four years with honors or honors with research.

For HPU, this means developing a curriculum and credit framework that integrates major disciplines (at least 50% credits), minors (12-32 credits), multidisciplinary courses (9 credits), ability enhancement (8 credits), skill enhancement (9 credits), and value-added courses (6-8 credits). Up to 40% credits can be earned via online platforms like SWAYAM, making education more accessible in remote areas. The policy also stresses blending vocational training, internships, and research, aiming to produce graduates ready for the job market or higher studies.

HPU has already drafted its Undergraduate Programme (UGP) template under NEP, available on its website, outlining these structures. This framework supports both three-year (120 credits) and four-year (160 credits) degrees, with summer internships and research projects for advanced learners.

Timeline and Academic Calendar for 2026-27

HPU has released a tentative academic schedule to smooth the transition. Admissions for merit-based UG programs close on April 14, 2026, and entrance-based ones on April 26. Classes for odd semesters (I and III) begin July 22, 2026, running until November 20, followed by exams till December 24. Even semesters (II and IV) start February 12, 2027, ending June 9, with exams by July 10. Winter break spans December 26 to February 11, and summer vacations June 23-30.

This structured calendar ensures 90 working days per semester, with preparatory leaves before exams. For the 29 colleges offering four-year programs, the extended timeline allows deeper specialization, while the rest stick to three years. The university aims to declare results within 30 days, reducing delays common in annual systems.

Key Changes: From Annual to Semester System

The annual system at HPU involved year-end exams covering the entire syllabus, often leading to high-stakes pressure and coverage gaps. The semester model divides the year into two terms, with exams every six months focusing on half the content. Assessment shifts to continuous internal evaluation (40-50% weightage) via assignments, projects, quizzes, and attendance, complemented by end-semester exams (50-60%).

• Grading: 10-point scale (O to F), with SGPA/CGPA for progress tracking.
• Flexibility: Change majors post-second semester, pursue double majors, or switch streams.
• Credits: 20 minimum per semester; vocational courses during summers.
• Pedagogy: Experiential learning, projects, internships replacing lectures alone.

This structure, detailed in HPU's credit framework, fosters regular engagement and reduces failure rates, as studies show semester systems yield 10-15% higher pass percentages compared to annual ones in Indian contexts.

Benefits for Students: Flexibility and Skill-Building

Students stand to gain immensely. Multiple exits prevent dropouts—over 20% in annual systems—allowing early workforce entry with credentials. The four-year honors option suits research aspirants, with 12 credits for dissertations. Skill enhancement courses (SEC) and minors equip graduates for jobs; for instance, data analytics minors pair with arts majors for diverse careers.

In Himachal's rural colleges, SWAYAM credits bridge resource gaps. Continuous assessment eases exam stress, promoting deeper understanding. Statistics from similar transitions indicate improved GPAs (by 0.5 points on average) and better employability, with 75% attendance mandates ensuring discipline. For HPU's 1 lakh+ UG students, this means personalized paths, from quick diplomas to advanced degrees.

Faculty and Institutional Advantages

Teachers benefit from modular teaching, allowing focused syllabus delivery and timely feedback. Research integration via dissertations boosts publications, aiding promotions. HPU's 108 three-year and 29 four-year colleges gain uniformity, easing transfers. Blended learning reduces workload through online resources.

The framework encourages industry linkages for internships, enhancing practical training. Faculty development programs under NEP will train 5,000+ educators in HP on outcome-based teaching, per state plans.

Challenges in Implementation Amid Hilly Terrain

Himachal's geography poses hurdles: poor connectivity in 60% rural colleges delays exams, digital infrastructure lags (only 40% high-speed internet), and faculty shortages (1:30 ratio) strain training. NEP studies highlight HP's tribal disparities, with 30% SEDGs needing extra support.

Resistance to change persists; past semester trials faced protests over workload. HPU must invest in labs, Wi-Fi, and MOOC training. Budget constraints—HP higher ed allocation Rs 2,500 crore—demand efficient use. Solutions include state task forces, as formed in March 2026, for monitoring.

Stakeholder Perspectives and Reactions

VC Prof. Singh calls it a "holistic step," with drafts public for feedback. Student unions like SFI and ABVP have mixed views; SFI demands infrastructure first, ABVP pushes full NEP. No major protests yet, but social media buzzes with excitement over flexibility. Faculty forums welcome reduced backlog but seek training.

A Tribune report notes positive alignment with state goals.

Impact on Affiliated Colleges and State Ecosystem

With 90 govt and 47 private colleges, uniformity aids mobility. Rural ones gain from online credits; urban like Shimla GC prepare for honors. State-wide, NEP rollout from 2026-27 boosts GER to 50% by 2035. Comparisons: DU's NEP success shows 15% enrollment rise.

Future Outlook: A Brighter Horizon for HP Graduates

By 2030, HPU aims 20% four-year enrollment, 30% SWAYAM usage. Success hinges on execution—faculty upskilling, infra upgrades. This positions HP students globally competitive, blending tradition with innovation.

Stakeholders must collaborate for smooth rollout, ensuring NEP's promise of empowered youth.

Photo by Jason Leung on Unsplash