IMPHAL, AUG 28: The Democratic Students’ Alliance of Manipur (DESAM) has urged the Directorate of University and Higher Education to introduce One-Year Postgraduate (PG) programmes in selected Government Colleges affiliated to Manipur University to accommodate students who have successfully completed the eighth semester under the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUGP).
Addressing a press meet held at the DESAM office, DESAM Secretary General Thoudam Shyamjai said that the demand has become urgent as the existing Master’s programmes under Manipur University have a limited intake capacity, reportedly permitting admission to only around 10 per cent of the existing capacity.
He said a substantial number of students who completed their eighth-semester examinations in May 2026 may be deprived of opportunities for higher education due to the limited number of PG seats available under Manipur University.
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According to DESAM, 954 students have successfully passed in 10 selected disciplines, including Mathematics, Botany, Zoology, Physics, Geography, Sociology, English, Education, Political Science, Manipuri and History, among others.
The organisation has proposed that One-Year PG programmes be introduced in selected Government Colleges based on the availability of qualified manpower, infrastructure, laboratories, libraries and other necessary academic facilities.
DESAM has specifically urged the Directorate to hold an urgent consultation with the Principals of the concerned Government Colleges and Manipur University, identify suitable disciplines and institutions, and introduce the proposed programmes at the earliest possible date.
Shyamjai said the academic calendar and commencement of classes should also be coordinated with Manipur University so that students do not lose an academic year.
He further urged the authorities to explore the possibility of utilising the existing academic infrastructure and qualified teaching manpower of Government Colleges, while conducting faculty rationalisation wherever necessary.
DESAM maintained that the introduction of One-Year PG programmes would not only provide an academic pathway for students who are currently unable to secure admission because of limited PG seats, but would also help ensure that the benefits of the newly introduced examination reforms are carried forward to the postgraduate level.
The organisation appealed to the Directorate of University and Higher Education to take immediate and proactive steps in consultation with the concerned colleges and Manipur University in the larger academic interest of the students of Manipur.
