Mumbai, March 26 -- The University of Mumbai has cleared new guidelines to introduce 'Honours' and 'Honours with Research' tracks in the fourth year of undergraduate programmes, starting in the 2026-27 academic year in line with recommendations of the Maharashtra State Academic and Research Council. The university's Academic Council approved the framework under the National Education Policy, allowing students to choose between the two tracks after completing three years. The fourth year, along with a postgraduate diploma and the first year of a PG programme, will be classified at Level 6.0 under the National Credit Framework. The research option will require a minimum CGPA of 7.5 and a final-year project. Students opting for the fourth year will complete eight semesters and 160-176 credits. The Honours track includes an internship, while the research track focuses on a dissertation. Only autonomous colleges with postgraduate courses can roll out the fourth year initially, while non-autonomous colleges will follow from 2027-28. Colleges must also have recognised research facilities to offer the research track. Officials said the move aims to give students deeper academic exposure in line with the National Education Policy. Currently, the university has 127 autonomous and 750 non-autonomous colleges....