On April 28, the Gokhale Institute of Politics and Economics (GIPE) hosted a workshop in collaboration with Shikshan Setu, focusing on the implementation of the fourth year under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. The event gathered academic leaders and administrators to discuss the transition to four-year undergraduate programs, particularly in autonomous colleges. Krishna Bhanadalkar, founder of Shikshan Setu, emphasized the need for a student-centric approach in the evolving framework of undergraduate education. R D Kulkarni, vice-chancellor of Mumbai University, highlighted the implications of the four-year structure for academic flexibility. Nitin Karmalkar, former VC of Savitribai Phule Pune University, stressed the importance of creating a distinct academic identity for the fourth year, incorporating research methodologies and socially relevant research. Discussions also focused on the necessity for clarity in eligibility criteria and admission processes to avoid ambiguity during implementation. The workshop concluded with a strong emphasis on aligning academic programs with industry needs, ensuring that the fourth year serves as a 'finishing stage' for students preparing for higher education and the job market.