Maharashtra universities to adopt common academic calendar from 2026-27, ATKT rules in focus

Maharashtra Higher and Technical Education Minister Chandrakant Patil has directed all public universities in the state to implement a common academic calendar from the 2026-27 academic year to bring uniformity to their academic activities. He also stressed the need for a common policy on re-examinations and the allowed-to-keep-term (ATKT) provision across state universities.

The directions were issued during an online meeting chaired by Patil with vice-chancellors of all public universities at Sahyadri Guest House in Mumbai earlier today. The meeting discussed university examination procedures, consistency in results, academic schedules, implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) and student elections, among other issues.

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Re-exam common rules, fourth-year honours degree programme

Patil said a uniform policy was needed across state universities for re-examinations and the ATKT provision. The move is intended to bring consistency to the rules governing examinations and results and provide students with greater clarity on the applicable procedures.

The minister also directed universities to appropriately structure the fourth-year Honours degree programme in line with the National Education Policy and ensure its effective implementation.

The directions form part of the state's efforts to bring greater uniformity to university functioning and improve the implementation of academic policies across public universities.