CSJMU Kanpur notifies Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit (ME-ME) Scheme for UG/PG programmes under NEP 2020. Check exit options, re-entry framework, and credit validity.
Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU), Kanpur, has released a significant notification regarding the implementation of the Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit (ME-ME) Scheme for its Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes. This policy, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF)–2022, offers students unprecedented flexibility in their academic journey. This notification outlines the modalities for students wishing to avail themselves of the facilities under this progressive scheme.
Notification Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU), Kanpur |
| Notification Date | 22/01/2026 |
| Subject | Implementation of Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit (ME-ME) Scheme |
| Applicable Programmes | Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes adopting NEP 2020 |
| Official Website | www.csjmu.ac.in |
What Changed: Introduction of ME-ME Scheme
The core of this notification is the introduction of the Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit (ME-ME) scheme, a transformative approach to higher education. Previously, students typically followed a rigid single-entry, single-exit degree path. With ME-ME, students now have the flexibility to exit a programme at various stages with a recognized qualification and re-enter later to continue their studies.
Earlier System (Implied)
- Traditional single-entry, single-exit degree programmes.
- Limited options for students wishing to discontinue studies mid-way.
Revised System with ME-ME Scheme
The revised system offers multiple exit and re-entry points, providing greater flexibility and recognition of partial completion of studies. This is a major shift aimed at making higher education more adaptable to individual student needs and career paths.
Reason for Change
This implementation is a direct consequence of the provisions of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and the Undergraduate Curriculum Framework (UGCF)–2022. The aim is to align CSJMU’s academic structure with national guidelines for flexible and credit-based learning.
Revised Exit Options
The ME-ME scheme allows students to exit their programmes at different levels, earning a recognized qualification based on completed credits.
A. Undergraduate Programmes (Three- or Four-Year Duration)
- Undergraduate Certificate [Level 4.5]: Awarded after successful completion of one year of study and all prescribed credits of the First Year.
- Undergraduate Diploma [Level 5]: Awarded after successful completion of two years of study and all prescribed credits of the First and Second Years.
- Bachelor’s Degree [Level 5.5]: Awarded after successful completion of three years of study and all prescribed credits of the First, Second, and Third Years.
- Bachelor’s Degree with Honours/Honours with Research/Apprenticeship Embedded UG Degree [Level 6]: Awarded after successful completion of four years of study and all required credits of the four-year undergraduate programme.
- Three-year Bachelor’s Honours programme/3-year Single subject programmes [Level 5.5]: Students admitted to 3-year Honours programs shall exit with a Bachelor’s degree with Hons in a specific subject upon successful completion of the prescribed credits of all three years. This also applies to three-year single subject programmes such as BCA, BBA, etc.
B. Master’s Programmes (Two-Year Duration)
- Postgraduate Diploma [Level 6]: Awarded after successful completion of one year of study and all prescribed credits of the First Year of the Master’s programme.
- Master’s Degree [Level 6.5]: Awarded after successful completion of two years of study and all prescribed credits of both years following a three-year Bachelor’s degree.
- Master’s Degree [Level 6.5]: Awarded after successful completion of one year of study and all prescribed credits of one year following a four-year Bachelor’s degree (Honours/Honours with Research).
- Master’s Degree [Level 7]: Awarded after successful completion of two years of study and all prescribed credits of both years following a four-year Bachelor’s degree.
C. Integrated Five-Year Bachelor’s/Master’s Programmes
Students in integrated programmes can exit after the third year with a Bachelor’s Degree and may laterally enter a two-year Master’s programme in another Higher Education Institution (HEI).
Re-entry Framework & Credit Validity
The scheme also provides a structured framework for re-entry. Students who exit a programme can re-enter the same programme of study in the same college, provided they meet the re-entry criteria.
- Maximum Duration for UG Programme (4 years/8 semesters): Can be extended up to 8 years.
- Maximum Duration for UG Programme (3 years/6 semesters): Can be extended up to 6 years.
- Maximum Duration for PG Programme (2 years/4 semesters): Can be extended up to 4 years.
- Credit Validity: Earned credits remain valid for redemption for a maximum of 8, 6, or 4 years, depending on the programme.
Re-entry Framework for Four-Year Undergraduate Programmes (Exit after 1st Year)
| Sl. No | Exit after | Gap Year (s) | Re-entry into | Qualification to be awarded | Remaining validity period of credits earned in 1st year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 1st year | 6 | 2nd Year | Undergraduate Diploma | 0 |
| 2. | 1st year | 5 | 2nd Year | Bachelor Degree | 0 |
| 3. | 1st year | 4 | 2nd Year | Bachelor Degree (Hons/Hons with Research/Apprenticeship) | 0 |
| 4. | 1st year | 3 | 2nd Year | Bachelor Degree (Hons/Hons with Research/Apprenticeship) | 1 year |
| 5. | 1st year | 2 | 2nd Year | Bachelor Degree (Hons/Hons with Research/Apprenticeship) | 2 years |
| 6. | 1st year | 1 | 2nd Year | Bachelor Degree (Hons/Hons with Research/Apprenticeship) | 3 years |
Re-entry Framework for Four-Year Undergraduate Programmes (Exit after 2nd Year)
| Sl. No | Exit after | Gap Year (s) | Re-entry into | Qualification to be awarded | Remaining validity period of credits earned in 2nd year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 2nd Year | 5 | 3rd Year | Bachelor Degree | 0 |
| 2. | 2nd Year | 4 | 3rd Year | Bachelor Degree (Hons/Hons with Research/Apprenticeship) | 0 |
| 3. | 2nd Year | 3 | 3rd Year | Bachelor Degree (Hons/Hons with Research/Apprenticeship) | 1 year |
| 4. | 2nd Year | 2 | 3rd Year | Bachelor Degree (Hons/Hons with Research/Apprenticeship) | 2 years |
| 5. | 2nd Year | 1 | 3rd Year | Bachelor Degree (Hons/Hons with Research/Apprenticeship) | 3 years |
Re-entry Framework for Four-Year Undergraduate Programmes (Exit after 3rd Year)
| Sl. No | Exit after | Gap Year (s) | Re-entry into | Qualification to be awarded | Remaining validity period of credits earned in 3rd year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 3rd Year | 4 | 4th Year | Bachelor Degree | 0 |
| 2. | 3rd Year | 3 | 4th Year | Bachelor Degree (Hons/Hons with Research/Apprenticeship) | 1 year |
| 3. | 3rd Year | 2 | 4th Year | Bachelor Degree (Hons/Hons with Research/Apprenticeship) | 2 years |
| 4. | 3rd Year | 1 | 4th Year | Bachelor Degree (Hons/Hons with Research/Apprenticeship) | 3 years |
Re-entry Framework for Three-Year Undergraduate Programmes (Exit after 1st Year)
| Sl. No | Exit after | Gap Year (s) | Re-entry into | Qualification to be awarded | Remaining validity period of credits earned in 1st year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 1st year | 4 | 2nd Year | Undergraduate Diploma | 0 |
| 2. | 1st year | 3 | 2nd Year | 3 year Bachelor Degree | 0 |
| 3. | 1st year | 2 | 2nd Year | 3 year Bachelor Degree | 1 year |
| 4. | 1st year | 1 | 2nd Year | 3 year Bachelor Degree | 2 years |
Re-entry Framework for Three-Year Undergraduate Programmes (Exit after 2nd Year)
| Sl. No | Exit after | Gap Year (s) | Re-entry into | Qualification to be awarded | Remaining validity period of credits earned in 2nd year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 2nd Year | 3 | 3rd Year | 3 year Bachelor Degree | 0 |
| 2. | 2nd Year | 2 | 3rd Year | 3 year Bachelor Degree | 1 year |
| 3. | 2nd Year | 1 | 3rd Year | 3 year Bachelor Degree | 2 years |
Re-entry Framework for Two-Year Master’s Programmes (Exit after 1st Year)
| Sl. No | Exit after | Gap Year (s) | Re-entry into | Qualification to be awarded | Remaining validity period of credits earned in 1st year |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | 1st year | 2 | 2nd Year | 2 Year Master Degree | 0 |
| 2. | 1st year | 1 | 2nd Year | 2 Year Master Degree | 1 year |
Action Required from Students
- Information and Compliance: Students desirous of availing the ME-ME scheme facilities must understand and comply with these modalities.
- Application for Exit: If a student wishes to exit an academic programme before its completion, they must apply well in advance, ideally before the start of the next academic year.
- Nomenclature Finalization: The exact nomenclature for Certificates, Diplomas, and Degrees corresponding to various exit points will be finalized based on this framework.
- Credit-Based Award: If a student discontinues mid-session, the relevant qualification will be awarded based on the credits earned.
Benefits of the ME-ME Scheme (AI-Enhanced)
The Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit scheme, a cornerstone of NEP 2020, offers numerous advantages for students:
- Flexibility: Allows students to pause their education due to personal or professional reasons and resume later without losing their earned credits.
- Skill Recognition: Even partial completion of a degree program is recognized with a formal qualification (Certificate, Diploma), enhancing employability.
- Lifelong Learning: Promotes a culture of continuous learning by facilitating re-entry into the academic system.
- Reduced Dropout Rates: Provides alternatives to dropping out entirely, encouraging students to complete their education in a flexible manner.
- Career Mobility: Students can acquire specific qualifications at different stages to enter the workforce or pursue vocational training, and then return for higher degrees.
FAQs (AI-Enhanced)
Q1: What is the Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit (ME-ME) Scheme?
A1: The ME-ME scheme, under NEP 2020, allows students to enter a course, exit at various stages with a recognized qualification (like a Certificate or Diploma), and re-enter the same or a similar course later to continue their studies, without losing their previously earned credits.
Q2: Which programmes at CSJMU are covered under this scheme?
A2: This scheme is applicable to all Undergraduate and Postgraduate Programmes at CSJMU that have adopted the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Q3: What are the different exit options available for undergraduate students?
A3: Undergraduate students can exit after one year with an Undergraduate Certificate, after two years with an Undergraduate Diploma, after three years with a Bachelor’s Degree, or after four years with a Bachelor’s Degree with Honours/Research.
Q4: How long are the earned credits valid for re-entry?
A4: The earned credits remain valid for redemption for a maximum of 8 years for a 4-year UG programme, 6 years for a 3-year UG programme, and 4 years for a 2-year PG programme, from the date of exit.
Q5: Do I need to apply if I wish to exit a programme?
A5: Yes, students wishing to exit their academic programme before completion must apply well in advance, preferably before the start of the next academic year.
Q6: Can I re-enter a different college or university with these credits?
A6: The notification explicitly states that students are permitted re-entry into the *same programme of study and in the same college* in which they were enrolled. However, the National Credit Framework (NCrF) aims for credit portability, so in the future, with appropriate regulations, lateral entry into other HEIs might become easier.
Q7: What happens if I discontinue my programme mid-academic session?
A7: If you discontinue mid-session, the relevant qualification (Certificate, Diploma, or Degree) will be awarded based on the credits you have successfully earned up to that point.
Q8: Where can I find more details or specific programme-wise information?
A8: For more detailed and programme-specific information, students should regularly visit the official website of Chhatrapati Shahu Ji Maharaj University (CSJMU) at www.csjmu.ac.in and consult their respective department or academic dean.