Special Topics: NCC, NSS, NSO, Transfers & International Students
Introduction
PAU offers several special programs and provisions beyond the regular academic curriculum. These include mandatory co-curricular programs such as NCC, NSS, and NSO, as well as opportunities for student mobility through lateral entry and transfers. There are also specific provisions for international students, along with summer course offerings to enrich learning experiences. This guide covers all these special topics in detail, helping you understand your options, requirements, and how to make the most of these unique opportunities to broaden your skills and academic exposure.
Mandatory Co-Curricular Programs: NCC, NSS, NSO
Overview
All first-year undergraduate students must participate in one of three programs: National Cadet Corps (NCC), National Service Scheme (NSS), or National Sports Organization (NSO). Rule 8.1
National Cadet Corps (NCC)
Overview: Military training program that develops discipline, leadership, and patriotic spirit among students.
Commitment:
- Training during first year (1st and 2nd semester)
- Weekly parades and drill sessions (typically 2-3 hours/week)
- Annual NCC camps (during semester break)
- Indoor activities, field exercises, and tests
Structure:
- Army Wing (most common)
- Navy Wing (if available at your college)
- Air Force Wing (if available at your college)
Assessment: Graded as 'S' (Satisfactory) or 'US' (Unsatisfactory) Rule 6.1.3.4(b)
Benefits:
- Leadership development
- Physical fitness
- National service awareness
- Certificate upon completion
- May assist in future military/government jobs
National Service Scheme (NSS)
Overview: Social service program that develops community awareness and social responsibility among students.
Commitment:
- Community service activities (average 4-8 hours/week)
- Projects addressing local social issues
- Annual NSS camps (3-7 days during semester break)
- Participation in national events (Independence Day, Republic Day, etc.)
Types of Activities:
- Environmental conservation (tree planting, cleanliness drives)
- Education support (coaching for underprivileged children)
- Health awareness (medical camps, AIDS awareness)
- Disaster relief
- Rural development programs
Assessment: Graded as 'S' (Satisfactory) or 'US' (Unsatisfactory) Rule 6.1.3.4(b)
Benefits:
- Social consciousness and civic responsibility
- Practical skills and leadership
- Service to society
- NSS certificate
- Looks good on resume/CV
National Sports Organization (NSO)
Overview: Sports training and fitness program promoting physical development and competitive sports.
Commitment:
- Regular sports training (4-6 hours/week for competitive sports)
- Participation in college/university tournaments
- Physical fitness assessment
- Sports camps and coaching clinics
Sports Available:
- Individual sports: Athletics, swimming, weightlifting, etc.
- Team sports: Cricket, football, basketball, volleyball, etc.
- Other activities: Yoga, martial arts, badminton, etc.
Assessment: Graded as 'S' (Satisfactory) or 'US' (Unsatisfactory) Rule 6.1.3.4(b)
Benefits:
- Physical fitness and health
- Competitive experience
- Teamwork and discipline
- Scholarship opportunities (for exceptional athletes)
- Career opportunities in sports
Exemptions & Special Cases
You may be exempted from these requirements on medical grounds. Rule 8.1
To get exemption:
- Submit application to Dean of constituent college (for NCC) or Director of Students' Welfare (for NSS/NSO)
- Provide medical certificate from University Medical Officer or recognized hospital
- Get recommendation from unit commander/program incharge
- Include supporting documents (medical reports, doctor's advice)
Important: Exemption is only granted for genuine medical reasons, not personal preference.
Educational Tour Requirement
In addition to NCC/NSS/NSO, every undergraduate must undertake at least one compulsory educational tour. Rule 8.2
Requirements:
- One educational tour is compulsory for Bachelor's degree
- Must obtain 'S' (Satisfactory) grade
- Tours usually organized during semester break
- Educational value (visit research stations, historical sites, industry, etc.)
Exemptions: Dean may exempt students on medical grounds or if deputed for NCC/NSS/NSO activities.
If you get US (Unsatisfactory) grade: You get a make-up test and chance to earn 'S' grade.
Lateral Entry & Student Transfers
Lateral Entry: Joining Mid-Program
Students can enter PAU's 4-year undergraduate program after completing equivalent courses elsewhere. Rule 7.4(a)
3rd Semester Entry (After 1st year):
- Must hold UG Certificate or 3-year Diploma from recognized agricultural institution
- Can join as regular 3rd semester student
5th Semester Entry (After 2nd year):
- Must have completed 2-year UG Diploma from recognized institution
- Can join as regular 5th semester student
Important restrictions:
- Only from State Agricultural Universities (SAUs), ICAR Institutes, ICAR Deemed Universities
- Entry allowed against vacant seats only
- Merit-based selection if multiple applicants
Academic Requirements: Rule 7.4(a)
- Must have completed at least 1st year of previous institution
- Must have OCPA of 7.00 (10.00 basis) or above
- Should not be on scholastic/conduct probation
- Should NOT have F grade in any course
Documents Required:
- Transcript of courses and credits from previous institution
- 'No Objection Certificate' from previous institution
- 'No Due Certificate' from previous institution
- Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) records (if available)
- Identity proof and admission documents
Application Timeline:
- Must apply at least one month before semester start Rule 7.4(a)
- Separate admission process from regular admission
- Merit ranking among lateral entry applicants
How credits are transferred: Rule 7.4(a)
- Committee evaluates courses studied at previous institution
- Equivalent courses at PAU are identified
- Credits transferred for equivalent courses
- Some courses may not have equivalent (not transferred)
OCPA Calculation:
- Overall OCPA includes courses from both institutions
- Credits and credit points from both universities considered
- No separate evaluation; treated as single program
Graduation Requirements:
- Must meet minimum OCPA (5.50 for UG)
- Must complete all remaining courses in program
- Must meet attendance and other requirements at PAU
Student Exit & Lateral Migration
You can transfer from PAU to another institution with incomplete degree. Rule 7.4(a)
Eligibility to exit:
- Must have completed at least 1st year (2 semesters) at PAU
- Must have cleared all courses of 1st year
- Must secure 'No Due Certificate' from all departments
Documentation:
- Academic Bank of Credit (ABC) portal contains your records
- Transcript available through ABC for other institutions
- Official documents issued on request
Process:
- Inform Dean about intention to transfer
- Complete all pending dues (hostel, library, canteen)
- Obtain 'No Due Certificate'
- Get official transcript and transfer documents
- Apply to receiving institution
International Students at PAU
International Student Admission
PAU welcomes international students for undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
Who can apply:
- Foreign nationals (non-Indian citizens)
- Person of Indian Origin (PIO) with valid PIO card
- Overseas Citizens of India (OCI)
Qualification requirements:
- UG: 10+2 or equivalent
- PG: Bachelor's degree or equivalent
- English proficiency (may need TOEFL/IELTS)
Application process:
- Apply through international student admission portal
- Submit passport copy, educational documents
- Proof of financial support (bank statements)
- Medical clearance
- Separate selection process (may include interview)
Timeline: Usually December-January for academic year starting July
International Student Hostel & Facilities
PAU has dedicated international student hostel with special facilities. Chapter II, Section II (Allotment-cum-occupancy Rules for International Students)
Availability:
- PAU International Students Hostel available for postgraduate students (boys & girls)
- Regular undergraduate hostels also available to international students
Room types:
- Single occupancy (preferred for international students)
- Double occupancy (air-conditioned rooms)
- Allocation based on seniority, merit, and availability
Priority allocation:
- Students with family: Highest priority
- Ph.D. students: Second priority
- Master's students: Third priority
Hostel fees: Collected at registration for full semester
Rules apply: All PAU hostel rules and semester rules apply to international students Chapter II, Section II
No guests allowed in international hostel
Fees & Financial Information
International students may pay different fees than Indian students.
- Tuition fees: Generally higher for international students (varies by program)
- Hostel fees: May differ from Indian students
- Scholarships: Limited scholarships available; check with Dean
- Payment: Usually required at beginning of semester
Check official PAU website or Registrar for current fee structure
Academic & Administrative Support
- International student coordinator/office at PAU
- English medium of instruction (all programs)
- Special orientation programs for international students
- Visa support (registration with local authorities)
- Health insurance (mandatory or recommended)
- Cultural adaptation support
Summer Session
PAU offers summer courses for specific students. Rule 1.1
Who Can Take Summer Courses?
Eligible students:
- Graduating students (in final year)
- Maximum 4 credit hours per student
- Not available for regular students during regular semester
How summer courses work:
- Courses offered on request of graduating students
- If offered, other students can also register
- Typically 4-6 weeks duration
- Compressed schedule (may meet daily)
- Regular grading (credit points awarded)
Benefits of Summer Courses
- Opportunity to catch up on missed courses
- Can take extra courses for better grades
- Faster degree completion for eligible students
- Regular credits and grades awarded
Key Contacts & Resources
- NCC Programs: Unit Commander, PAU (contact through Dean)
- NSS Programs: Director of Students' Welfare / NSS Coordinator
- NSO Programs: Director of Students' Welfare / Sports Office
- Lateral Entry & Transfers: Registrar's Office, registrar@pau.edu
- International Students: International Student Coordinator / Dean's Office
- Summer Session: Registrar's Office
- General: +91-161-2400945, +91-161-2401960-79
Key Takeaways
- NCC/NSS/NSO: Mandatory for all first-year undergraduates Rule 8.1
- Educational tour: Compulsory for all undergraduates Rule 8.2
- Lateral entry: Available from 3rd or 5th semester from SAUs, ICAR institutes only Rule 7.4(a)
- Exit requirements: Must complete 1st year and clear all dues Rule 7.4(a)
- International students: Special hostel available; fees may differ Chapter II, Section II
- Summer session: Only for graduating students; max 4 credits Rule 1.1