While autonomous colleges in Mumbai are looking at a four-year undergraduate programme (FYUP) in 2026, students still remain uncertain about the additional year. According to the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the education system, which once followed the 10+2+3 timeline for school, junior college, and graduation, is to jump into a 5+3+3+4 structure, where adolescents can attend four years at the last stage, with the option to exit after any year.

Despite the option to pick the fourth year inching closer, many undergraduates across autonomous colleges in the city still remain on the fence, while some even opted for placements, which automatically removes them from the fourth year at a few colleges. Given the slow response, principals across the city are recalibrating their year four plans.