The University Grants Commission (UGC) on December 5, 2024, unveiled a draft framework aimed at establishing minimum standards for awarding undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) degrees. The proposed regulations seek to introduce greater flexibility, reduce disciplinary rigidity, foster inclusivity, and provide multidisciplinary learning opportunities for students. The UGC has invited feedback on the draft guidelines from the public until December 23, 2024.
The proposed changes will enable higher education institutions (HEIs) to offer biannual admissions, allowing students to enroll twice a year. This reform is designed to enhance access and convenience for learners. The guidelines also introduce provisions for multiple entry and exit options, recognition of prior learning, and the flexibility to pursue two UG or PG programs simultaneously.
According to UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar, eligibility for UG and PG admissions has been decoupled from strict disciplinary requirements in school education. Students can now choose any program, regardless of their prior academic discipline, provided they qualify through the relevant entrance exams.
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Students will have the option to earn 50% of their credits in their major subject, with the remaining credits allocated to skill development, apprenticeships, or multidisciplinary subjects. This approach aims to promote holistic education and prepare students for diverse career paths.
“We are ensuring that Indian higher education aligns with global standards while being inclusive and responsive to the needs of diverse learners,” said the UGC Chairman. Under the draft guidelines, the duration of UG degrees will be three or four years, while PG degrees will typically span one or two years. The duration of a bachelor’s degree may vary, allowing students to complete their programs earlier or later than the standard timeline.
The UGC has urged stakeholders, including students, educators, and institutions, to provide their input on these reforms by December 23. For detailed information, candidates can visit the official UGC website.
These reforms are part of a broader effort to modernize India’s higher education system, offering students greater agency over their academic journeys and ensuring the sector remains competitive on the global stage.
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