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Master’s Degree Without Honours: New Admission Opportunity at Kalyani University |
Kalyani University has made higher education more accessible. Students without an honours degree can now apply for postgraduate courses. This decision opens doors for many learners across India.
Kalyani University Offers PG Admission Without Honours Degree
In July 2025, the Directorate of Open and Distance Learning (DODL) at Kalyani University, West Bengal, released a notice. The university has started accepting applications for postgraduate (PG) programs for the 2025-2026 academic year. What makes this announcement special is that students can apply even if they do not have an honours degree.
This opportunity is available through the Open and Distance Learning (ODL) mode. It helps those who may not have had the chance to complete traditional honours programs. Interested students must apply online. The official admission notice and details can be found on the university’s DODL website: http://dodl.klyuniv.ac.in.
The PG courses offered include subjects like:
- Bengali
- English
- History
- Education
- Environmental Science
- And others
Students must meet basic eligibility criteria, such as completing a general bachelor’s degree (pass course). The application process began in early July 2025 and will continue for several weeks.
Experts and Students React to the News
Many education experts praised the decision. Dr. Subhendu Ghosh, a senior professor of education in Kolkata, said:
“This move is a step toward inclusive education. Thousands of students who were previously ineligible can now dream of a master’s degree.”
Some students also shared their excitement online. Ananya Roy, a B.A. pass graduate from Murshidabad, wrote on Facebook:
“I thought I could never study further. This opportunity from Kalyani University is like a second chance!”
The decision is also in line with the New Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which promotes flexible and lifelong learning.
Background: Kalyani University and ODL Initiatives
Kalyani University, established in 1960, is a well-known public university in West Bengal. It has a long history of offering quality education in regular and distance modes. The Directorate of Open and Distance Learning (DODL) was started to help students who could not attend college regularly due to financial, personal, or job-related reasons.
In the past, DODL mainly accepted honours graduates for PG courses. However, due to growing demand and education policy reforms, the university decided to allow general graduates to apply as well.
This is not the first time Indian universities have taken such steps. IGNOU (Indira Gandhi National Open University) and Netaji Subhas Open University have also offered similar opportunities in recent years. But Kalyani University’s decision is timely and important, especially for students in rural Bengal.
What to Expect Next
The university is expected to receive a high number of applications. Officials have already set up a helpdesk and support center for students applying online. Selected students will receive study materials both online and in print. Classes and exams will also be conducted in a blended format — some online, some offline.
Admission results are expected to be released in late August 2025, and classes will begin in September 2025. University authorities have said they may expand the list of PG subjects next year based on student response.
There is also talk that more universities may follow this model, making higher education more flexible across the country.
Conclusion
Kalyani University’s decision to allow PG admissions without honours is a welcome change. It shows that education is becoming more open and inclusive. Many students who had lost hope can now apply and build a better future. This step may also inspire other universities to take similar actions.
Source References:
- Official Website: http://dodl.klyuniv.ac.in
- UGC Guidelines for Distance Education
- NEP 2020 Summary: https://www.education.gov.in
Disclaimer
This article is based on verified information available from official sources such as Kalyani University’s Directorate of Open and Distance Learning and expert opinions. The writer has simplified the content for better understanding. Readers are advised to check the official university website for exact dates and eligibility criteria.
