The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced draft regulations setting the minimum standards for awarding undergraduate and postgraduate degrees. These regulations aim to enhance flexibility, promote inclusivity, and provide multidisciplinary learning options.
They also support biannual admissions, allowing students to enroll twice a year if institutions are ready. Key features include multiple entry and exit options, recognition of prior learning, and the ability to pursue two degrees simultaneously.
UGC Chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar noted that these reforms decouple UG and PG eligibility from rigid discipline-specific school education requirements, enabling students to choose programs based on entrance exams rather than past qualifications.
Students will now have the flexibility to earn 50 per cent of their credits in their major discipline, with the remaining credits dedicated to skill development, apprenticeships, or multidisciplinary subjects, promoting holistic growth.
Major Changes in the Draft UGC Guidelines:
Biannual Admissions: HEIs can admit students twice a year, in July/August and January/February, if capable of managing this system.
Flexible Academic Provisions: Students can benefit from multiple entry and exit options, recognition of prior learning, and the ability to pursue two programs simultaneously.
Eligibility Across Disciplines: Students can apply to any UG or PG program regardless of their prior discipline, provided they pass relevant entrance exams.
Attendance Flexibility: HEIs can set attendance requirements based on evolving academic needs and learning modes, in line with NEP 2020.
Credit Distribution: At least 50% of credits for an undergraduate degree must be in the major discipline, with the rest focusing on skill development, apprenticeships, or multidisciplinary subjects.
Degree Duration: UG degrees will generally take three or four years, and PG degrees one or two years, with flexibility in duration depending on program specifics.
These reforms aim to align Indian higher education with global standards while prioritising inclusivity and adaptability.
