Special Correspondent
Pune: In a significant move, the Higher and Technical Education Department has announced a ‘carry on’ provision for engineering students struggling to advance to the next semester. This decision aims to prevent academic setbacks and ensure students continue their education despite failing certain subjects.
Major Change in Admission Rules
Previously, engineering students were required to clear all first-year subjects before securing admission to the third year. Failure to pass any first-year subject meant they could not progress beyond the second year. However, under the newly introduced system, students will be allowed to move forward even if they have pending subjects from previous years.
Despite this relief, students are encouraged to complete their education without relying on the ‘carry on’ option, as clearing all subjects in time will enhance their employment prospects.
Government Decision for 2024-25 Academic Year
For the 2024-25 academic year, the ‘carry on’ provision has been implemented across all non-agricultural universities governed by the Higher and Technical Education Department. A formal government resolution has been issued to ensure uniformity among institutions.
This decision follows repeated appeals from students, student organizations, senate members, and public representatives, who urged the government to introduce the facility to prevent academic losses.
Uniform Implementation Across Universities
As per the Director of Technical Education, while some universities had already introduced the ‘carry on’ provision, others had not. To maintain consistency, directives were sent to all non-agricultural universities, including Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Technological University, Lonere, Raigad.
According to these instructions:
Students who have failed first-year subjects will be eligible for admission to the 5th semester (third year).
Those who have failed second-year subjects will be eligible for the 7th semester (fourth year).
Eligibility will be determined based on results from the winter 2024-25 examination rather than the summer 2023-24 results.
Students benefiting from this provision must complete pending courses alongside regular coursework in the summer semester.
They must sign an undertaking with their respective colleges, accepting responsibility for completing their backlog subjects.
One-Time Exception
The directive specifies that these guidelines do not apply to universities that have already implemented the ‘carry on’ system for 2024-25. Additionally, this provision is a one-time exception and will not be extended to subsequent academic years.
This policy is expected to benefit numerous engineering students by preventing academic delays and ensuring continuity in their education.
