Mumbai, Sept. 30 -- The University of Mumbai has launched over 510 new open elective (OE) courses this year, spanning the field of humanities, science, commerce, technology, and interdisciplinary studies. Such a move allows students the freedom to study subjects outside their main discipline, opening the doors for learning, skill development, and career flexibility. Over 550 professors worked for two years to design and finalise the new curriculum. Among the new electives, over 200 are from the faculty or humanities, over 100 are from the sciences, 81 from the commerce stream, 88 from interdisciplinary studies, and 28 from the technology field. MU vice chancellor Ravindra Kulkarni said the impact of electives is already visible. "Students are excited to explore beyond their main subjects. A science student can now earn credits in music, while an arts student can learn chemistry," he said. MU has also shortlisted a few courses and will upload them on the University Grants Commission's (UGC) SWAYAM portal, where students across India can access them online for free. The new electives blur the lines between subjects, allowing students to explore beyond their core courses. An economics student can now study gender economics and health economics, while a psychology student can opt for behavioural economics, and consumer psychology. "This range ensures that students are not restricted to one narrow path and can build personalised journeys that reflect their passions and goals," Kulkarni said. He added that the idea behind open electives is rooted in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which encourages flexibility, holistic learning, and the breaking down of barriers between various disciplines. Kulkarni explained the process behind the electives and said that faculty members had presented various subjects and refined the course material over a series of meetings and discussions spanning two years. He added that the range of electives also include creative and engaging ones which connect learning with everyday experiences. Michael Milagris Keer, 21, a third-year history student at Sathye College, Vile Parle, specializing in ancient Indian culture and archaeology, said that since they were the first batch to get the open electives possibility, the new system had been initially hard to adjust to. "But when we realised that the electives are connected with our core subject, we started enjoying them," Keer said. In his first year, Keer had chosen botany and microbiology as his open electives. Explaining the link between the subjects, he said, "While studying ancient culture, we have topics like ancient botany. The elective in botany helps us classify plants at the basic level." Several college principals have welcomed the move and stressed the importance of a holistic development for students. Kulkarni said that colleges were taking initiatives to provide students with more information about the new electives. He highlighted the Vivekanand Education Society's College of Arts, Science and Commerce, which holds an annual open elective fair. In the fair, students display what they have learned through exhibitions, performances, and interactive projects where courses like financial literacy, the basics of the stock markets, photography, and artificial intelligence are brought alive with stalls and presentations. "Such events prove that learning can move beyond textbooks into hands-on engagement." Kulkarni said. Deelip Bharmal, principal of Shri Pancham Khemraj Mahavidyalaya, said the initiative is particularly useful for rural students. "Being able to understand subjects from other streams, and taking up electives like singing or other hobbies, helps students grow confident, and makes learning more enjoyable." However, many university principles and educationists have pointed out that colleges have not given students the flexibility to choose subjects of their choice. Kulkarni admitted that such challenges persist, especially because of the lack of infrastructure and resources. MU has suggested colleges have agreements with nearby institutions so that students can access a wider pool of electives....