Post-Graduate Academic Regulations

Assam Agricultural University follows a semester-based academic system for its Post-Graduate Degree Programmes governed by the Regulations on Academic Matters of Assam Agricultural University, 2022 (Amended). The amended regulations and accompanying Academic Guidelines were duly approved by the Academic Council and came into force from the Academic Session 2022–23.

These regulations govern all students seeking admission to and enrolled in post-graduate programmes across all constituent colleges and faculties of the University and supersede all prior PG regulations.

The academic year ordinarily extends from August to July and comprises two semesters. A semester consists of a minimum of 110 working days, encompassing 95 instructional days and 15 examination days. The University Academic Calendar regulates registration, advisement, instructional schedules, examinations, vacations, and co-curricular pursuits.

Post-graduate programmes are structured systematically around major, minor, and supporting disciplines, complemented by common, optional, prerequisite, deficiency, elective, and bridge courses:

• Major Discipline: The specialized department or discipline in which the student pursues core study and specialized thesis research.
• Minor Discipline: Closely allied fields of study chosen to enrich the student's research focus.
• Supporting Courses: Courses that supplement the major field. Students whose major or minor discipline is other than Statistics are mandatorily required to complete prescribed supporting coursework in Statistics.
• Bridge & Deficiency Courses: Students entering from non-agricultural or non-traditional backgrounds may be assigned required bridge courses as recommended by the Students' Advisory Committee.

The Regulations encompass all Master's and Ph.D. degree programmes conducted across constituent faculties. The normal minimum and maximum residential requirements are strictly prescribed:

Specific provisions govern in-service candidates, deputed research personnel, and students transitioning with prerequisite bridge coursework.

Admission notifications are officially issued by the Registrar and published on the University website. Candidates must apply online, and selection is made strictly on merit in accordance with the prevailing regulations and the annual Information Bulletin:

• Offered Programmes: M.Sc. (Agri.), M.V.Sc., M.Sc. (Community Science), M.Sc. (Agri.) in Sericulture, MBA (Agri Business), M.F.Sc., M.Sc. in Agricultural Biotechnology, M.Tech (Food Processing Technology), and Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) across diverse disciplines.
• In-Service Candidates: Must produce a valid Release Order or No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their employer at the time of admission.
• Biotechnology Admissions: Admission to specified postgraduate biotechnology programmes is conducted through national entrance examinations such as GAT-B (Graduate Aptitude Test-Biotechnology).
• International Candidates: International and foreign students are facilitated by the University's International Students Advisory Cell.

Major Adviser & SAC Composition

Every postgraduate student is assigned a recognized Major Adviser and a Students' Advisory Committee (SAC) comprising faculty members representing the major, minor, and supporting disciplines. The Major Adviser guides the student in course selection, assists in formulating the research synopsis and Programme of Work, monitors laboratory/field investigations, and coordinates thesis examination.

The SAC reviews the student's academic and research milestones periodically and must meet at least once in every semester to review progress.

Course registration takes place at the start of each semester. Course addition or withdrawal may be permitted within 15 days of semester commencement, subject to minimum credit constraints.

A postgraduate student must maintain a minimum of 75% attendance separately in the theory and practical components of each course:

• The 'P' Grade Penalty: Failure to meet the 75% attendance threshold results in the award of a 'P' grade for that course. The student is barred from appearing in the End-term / Semester Final Examination and must repeat the course when next offered.
• Unauthorized Absence: Any student remaining absent for an entire semester or academic year without the prior written approval of the competent authority is liable to have his/her studentship permanently cancelled.

Academic performance is evaluated through continuous internal assessments and semester final examinations:

• Assessment Components: First Test, Mid-term Examination, Practical Examination, and End-term / Semester Final Examination. Provision exists for Make-up and Repeat/Grade Improvement Examinations.
• 10-Point Grading Scale: Semester performance is measured via Grade Point Average (GPA), and overall career performance via Cumulative Grade Point Average (CGPA).

Award of Distinction: For Master's programmes, a student who secures a CGPA of 8.50 or above is awarded Distinction, provided the candidate has not received any 'F' or 'US' grade, has not been placed under academic or conduct probation, and completes all requirements within the minimum residential duration.

All postgraduate students are required to appear in and successfully clear a Comprehensive Oral Examination upon completing 100% of their prescribed coursework:

• Master's Students: The comprehensive examination is conducted internally by the Students' Advisory Committee (SAC).
• Ph.D. Scholars: A two-stage evaluation is conducted: first, a pre-comprehensive oral examination by the SAC, followed by the formal oral comprehensive examination involving an external subject specialist appointed by the University.
• Grading: Graded non-numerically as 'S' (Satisfactory) or 'US' (Unsatisfactory). A candidate securing 'US' must be re-examined within the prescribed timeline.

Original research is an essential component of postgraduate education at AAU. Students undertake investigations under the direct supervision of their Major Adviser and SAC, following an approved research synopsis.

Anti-Plagiarism Policy (2021)

The University strictly enforces its Academic Integrity and Prevention of Plagiarism Policy, 2021 (in alignment with UGC regulations). All theses and dissertations must undergo mandatory anti-plagiarism verification through the Central Library / DPGS before they can be forwarded for external evaluation. Ph.D. scholars also must satisfy mandatory research publication requirements.

Semester Progress Reporting: Every postgraduate student must submit an official Progress Report at the end of each semester through the Major Adviser and HoD to the Director of Post-Graduate Studies (DPGS).

Postgraduate scholars are expected to maintain the highest standards of decorum, ethics, and scholarly integrity across laboratories, departments, research farms, hostels, and examination venues:

• Electronic Devices: The use of mobile phones, smartwatches, and unauthorized electronic devices in classrooms, laboratories, and examination halls is strictly prohibited.
• Disciplinary Measures: Indiscipline or examination malpractice entails severe penalties, including formal reprimands, fines, conduct probation, rustication, or permanent expulsion.
• Ragging Prohibition: Ragging is treated as a grave criminal offence with zero tolerance across all AAU premises.

Eligible post-graduate students may receive State Merit Scholarships, ICAR Fellowships, and departmental project assistantships subject to regulatory availability. The minimum academic criteria prescribed for the award and renewal of State Merit Scholarships are:

Scholarship continuation depends upon satisfactory academic progression and good conduct. Students placed on academic or conduct probation are ineligible during the relevant period.