UGC's 2024 Draft Regulations: Biannual Admissions, Dual Degrees & More Flexible Learning Paths

UGC's 2024 draft regulations introduce biannual admissions, dual-degree options, and flexible learning paths, aiming to make Indian higher education more inclusive and adaptable to global standards.

UGC is introducing transformative reforms in UG and PG programmes following NEP 2020.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced the Draft UGC (Minimum Standards of Instructions in the Award of UG and PG Degrees) Regulations 2024, marking a significant shift towards a more flexible, inclusive, and multidisciplinary higher education system in India. The new provisions aim to overhaul existing structures and make higher education more adaptable to the needs of diverse learners while meeting global academic standards.

Talking to ABP Live, M. Jagadesh Kumar, Chairman of UGC said, "these reforms are designed to provide greater flexibility in higher education, empowering students to explore their interests and gain skills that are critical in today’s globalized world. We are laying the groundwork for a system that nurtures not only academic excellence but also holistic development, in line with the aspirations set out by NEP 2020."

Major Changes In the Draft UGC (Minimum Standards of Instructions in the Award of UG and PG Degrees) Regulations 2024

- Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that are prepared to manage biannual admissions can admit students twice a year—once in July/August and again in January/February.

- Students can now exit and re-enter degree programmes at different stages, offering more flexibility in their academic journey.

- The regulations include provisions for recognizing prior learning, allowing students to build on their previous knowledge and experiences.

- Students will have the option to pursue two undergraduate or postgraduate programmes at the same time, promoting multidisciplinarity.

- Irrespective of their past educational background, students will be eligible to enroll in any UG or PG programme as long as they clear the relevant entrance examination at the national or university level.

- HEIs will have the autonomy to decide on attendance requirements, based on the nature of the programme, in consultation with their statutory bodies.

- A student must earn at least 50% of their credits in their major discipline for an undergraduate degree. The remaining 50% can be allocated to skill development, apprenticeships, or multidisciplinary subjects.

- The duration of an undergraduate degree can vary between 3 to 4 years, while postgraduate degrees can range from 1 to 2 years. The regulations also introduce options for Accelerated Degree programmes (ADP) and Extended Degree programmes (EDP):

• ADP and EDP are available at the undergraduate level.
• Up to 10% of the intake can be earmarked for ADP.
• Students can opt for ADP/EDP at the end of their first or second semester.

The programmes follow the same curriculum but adjust the duration, making the degrees faster or longer depending on the student's choice.

- Students completing a 4-year undergraduate degree in relevant fields (like B.Sc. Hons., B.E., B.Tech.) will be eligible for a 2-year/4-semester postgraduate programme, such as M.Tech or M.E.

A Vision For The Future Of Indian Higher Education

The UGC Chairman, M. Jagadesh Kumar, reflected on the far-reaching implications of these changes: "These regulations are designed to provide more freedom to institutions and students, ensuring that the higher education system becomes more responsive to the dynamic needs of learners. By removing rigid boundaries between disciplines and introducing options like biannual admissions and dual-degree programs, we are making Indian higher education more inclusive and aligned with global best practices."

The draft regulations also place a strong emphasis on skill development and the multidisciplinary approach recommended by the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. By allowing students to earn credits in a variety of fields, the UGC aims to create a generation of graduates who are well-rounded and equipped for a rapidly changing job market.