Hoshiarpur/Daljeet Ajnoha/ August 03 : Anil Kumar, Associate Professor in the Department of History at DAV College Hoshiarpur, has advocated for a significant academic reform across colleges in Punjab. Emphasizing the need for extended instructional hours, he proposed increasing the current 5.5-hour college day to a minimum of 7 hours to enhance the overall educational experience for students.
Kumar highlighted that many colleges affiliated with Panjab University, Chandigarh currently operate on a 5.5-hour schedule. While this might appear adequate on the surface, he argues that it is insufficient to support in-depth teaching, conceptual clarity, and the holistic development that today’s competitive academic environment demands.
“In professional and academic courses, where deeper understanding and critical thinking are essential, the current duration often compels teachers to rush through the syllabus. Students miss out on valuable time needed for doubt-clearing, discussions, laboratory work, and participation in seminars or co-curricular activities,” Kumar stated.
He believes that extending the daily stay to at least 7 hours would benefit both faculty and students. “Longer academic hours would enable teachers to adopt a more interactive and student-centric approach. It would also provide students with ample time for projects, internal assessments, and preparation for competitive exams or research careers.”
Calling it a necessary reform, Kumar urged educational authorities and college administrations to consider this change seriously. “A 7-hour academic structure will ensure better academic performance, improved teacher-student interaction, and stronger foundational learning,” he concluded.
The suggestion has sparked discussion among education stakeholders, with many seeing it as a timely recommendation in the evolving landscape of higher education in Punjab.
