From the next academic session, Surat’s Veer Narmad South Gujarat University (VNSGU) will discontinue its undergraduate external (distance-learning) programmes. However, the semester system will be introduced for postgraduate courses.
The move will impact thousands of students, especially working professionals and homemakers, who depend on external courses to complete their graduation. In recent years, enrolments in these UG courses were high — 8,213 in 2022-23, 8,634 in 2023-24, and 6,490 in 2024-25. Around 3,000 students are currently pursuing PG courses.
While no fresh admissions will be allowed from next year, existing students will be permitted to complete their courses.
Vice Chancellor Dr. K. N. Chavda said the decision followed the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and was approved by the Board of Deans, Academic Council, Executive Council, and Board of Management.
Some faculty members, however, questioned the rationale, pointing out that many students pursue external courses alongside regular ones to boost career prospects. Critics argued that ending external courses will cause serious difficulties for working professionals and housewives who rely on flexible study options.