Pune, Correspondent
The Savitribai Phule Pune University (SPPU) will take a final decision by October 31 regarding students whose Permanent Registration Numbers (PRNs) have expired, as well as those who have completed their course duration. The move aims to safeguard the academic interests of such students, according to Dr. Prabhakar Desai, Director of the University’s Board of Examination and Evaluation.
Students Facing Setbacks Post-COVID
During the COVID-19 pandemic, several students faced severe hardships—loss of family members, financial instability, and interruptions in education. Many of these students are now eager to complete their unfinished degrees. However, with their earlier PRNs having expired, they have been unable to register for upcoming university examinations, leaving their academic futures uncertain.
Upon approaching university officials, students were informed that although their PRN validity has technically lapsed for the October–November 2025 examinations, the administration is exploring the possibility of creating a separate online link to allow them to submit examination forms. A formal decision will be made in the upcoming meeting of the Examination Board to ensure eligible students can appear for exams.
Background: Credit-Based System Transition
Since the 2019–20 academic year, SPPU has implemented a credit-based system for Arts, Commerce, and Science streams. This system was gradually extended to all years by 2021–22.
With the introduction of a new academic policy in 2024, the 2019 credit-pattern students are now entering their final eligible year under the old framework.
From the next academic session, all undergraduate programs will transition fully to the new system, meaning students with expired PRNs may need to re-enroll from the first year if no extension is granted.
Students and Parents Demand Extension
Students and parents have urged the university to temporarily extend PRN validity for final-year students, allowing them to fill out examination forms and complete their degrees without starting afresh.
In response, the Board of Examination and Evaluation held positive discussions and forwarded the proposal as a formal recommendation to the university’s competent authorities. The decision-making process will follow University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines and standards adopted by other higher education institutions.
University Urges Students to Ignore Rumors
SPPU officials have clarified that the final decision and procedure will be published on the university’s official website before October 31. Students have been urged not to believe in rumors or unauthorized communications.
The university has its own database of all registered students and is solely responsible for handling PRN-related issues. No individual or external organization has been authorized to intervene in this matter, the statement added.
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