Admitted as B.Sc. Economics students in 2024, students say they are now being asked to accept B.A. degree after two years
IUST VC Says University Looking Into Students’ Representation Over BSc Economics Degree Nomenclature
Kashmir News Bureau Desk
Srinagar, 18 Aug (KNB): Students enrolled in the B.Sc. Economics programme at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora, have raised serious objections over the alleged change of their degree nomenclature from B.Sc. Economics to B.A. Economics, claiming that the decision was made after two years of study without prior formal communication or consultation.
The students, who were admitted to the programme in August 2024, said they had specifically chosen IUST because they were offered a B.Sc. degree and had structured their academic and professional plans accordingly.
They alleged that after completing four semesters, they are now being told that their programme will be treated as a B.A. Economics degree.
“We did not take admission here for a BA. We were promised a BSc Economics degree. We have already completed two years and four semesters. How can the university change the nomenclature of our degree now, after we have invested so much time, money and effort?” a student said.
Students also highlighted the financial burden associated with studying at IUST, particularly for those who travelled from distant areas or stayed in hostels.
“Other colleges offer BA programmes for around Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000 annually. We are paying around Rs 15,000 per semester at IUST, apart from transportation and hostel expenses for many students. Our families are paying this money with the expectation that we will receive the degree we were admitted for. Now they are asking us why we paid so much and why we came all the way here. We are answerless,” the student said.
The students said the alleged change has also disrupted career and higher-education plans they had made on the basis of their B.Sc. qualification.
“We have done internships, courses and built our CVs keeping BSc Economics in mind. We have planned our higher studies and careers around this qualification. Now suddenly changing the nomenclature creates uncertainty about our eligibility and opportunities. We are mentally stressed about our future,” a student said.
Students argued that the distinction between B.Sc. and B.A. could matter when applying for higher studies, competitive opportunities and jobs where a particular degree stream is specified.
They also questioned the university’s reported reasoning that the change was being made in their own interest.
“They are telling us that BA is more suitable for us and that BSc may create difficulties in the future. But this should have been decided before our admission. The university cannot first admit us into BSc, collect the prescribed fees, allow us to study for two years and then tell us that a BA is better for us,” a student said.
The students claimed that the change was not accompanied by a formal notification or detailed written communication. They said the altered nomenclature was allegedly reflected in a WhatsApp group and later appeared on a date sheet, which they argue does not constitute adequate formal communication regarding such a significant academic decision.
They have sought a written clarification from the university explaining why the nomenclature was changed, under whose authority the decision was taken and what would happen to students admitted in 2024 as B.Sc. Economics students.
The issue, according to the students, affects approximately 75 students in the 2024 batch, besides junior students.
“This is not an issue concerning one or two students. Around 75 students in our batch are affected, and our juniors are also facing the same uncertainty. We are talking about people’s careers, families’ money and two years of their lives,” a student said.
Students have appealed to the university administration to reconsider the alleged change and honour the academic programme under which they were admitted.
“We are not asking for anything extraordinary. We are simply asking for what was promised to us at the time of admission. We took admission in BSc Economics, paid the fees, attended the classes and completed four semesters. We want the university to respect that commitment,” a student said.
KNB also tried to contact the IUST administration for its response to the allegations and sought clarification regarding the reported change in the programme’s nomenclature, responding to KNB’s query, Vice Chancellor of IUST said, “In light of a representation by some students, the matter is being looked into by the university.”
The students said they will continue to seek a formal clarification from the university and appropriate authorities until the matter is resolved. (KNB)