The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced draft regulations that could redefine the duration and flexibility of undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs in India. Titled Minimum Standards of Instructions in the Award of UG and PG Degrees Regulations, 2024, the new rules align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and aim to enhance the adaptability and inclusivity of higher education.
Key Highlights of the Draft:
Flexible Degree Duration
The regulations allow UG degrees to be either accelerated or extended, depending on students’ preferences and academic capabilities. Students opting for an accelerated degree program (ADP) can complete their studies in a shorter duration, provided they meet the credit requirements within the compressed timeline. Conversely, the extended degree program (EDP) offers additional time to complete the same academic credits.
Higher education institutions (HEIs) can allocate up to 10% of the sanctioned intake for ADP, while no cap is imposed on EDP enrollments. Students must choose their preferred duration by the end of the first or second semester. A committee within the HEI will evaluate their performance during this period to determine eligibility for ADP.
The draft mandates that the curriculum content and credit requirements remain consistent, irrespective of the program’s duration. The number of courses per semester will vary depending on the duration opted by the student.
Bi-Annual Admission
The regulations propose bi-annual admissions for institutions ready to implement this system. Students will have the opportunity to enroll twice a year—in July-August and January-February—enhancing access and flexibility in higher education.
Also Read :- UGC Unveils New Framework for Postgraduate Programmes under NEP 2020
Multidisciplinary Learning
Students will now have the flexibility to earn 50% of their credits in their major discipline while using the remaining credits for skill development, apprenticeships, or multidisciplinary subjects. This approach promotes holistic education and equips students with diverse skill sets.
Discipline Flexibility and Multiple Entry-Exit Options
Students will no longer be restricted to disciplines chosen in Class XII. The new rules allow them to pursue UG or PG degrees in any field, provided they clear the relevant entrance exams. This flexibility eliminates the rigidity of discipline-specific requirements in higher education.
The regulations also incorporate provisions for multiple entry and exit points, enabling students to pause and resume their education as needed, and recognizing prior learning experiences.
Degree Duration and Eligibility:
The UG degree duration will typically be three to four years, while PG programs will span one to two years. A four-year UG degree qualifies students for a two-year PG program. Degrees will include a note specifying whether they were completed in a standard, accelerated, or extended timeline.
Transforming Higher Education
Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, Chairperson of the UGC, emphasised the transformative intent of the draft guidelines. “These regulations introduce flexibility, inclusivity, and multidisciplinary learning opportunities for students, ensuring that Indian higher education evolves to global standards while remaining adaptable to diverse learner needs,” he said.
The guidelines also pave the way for pursuing two UG or PG programs simultaneously and encourage institutions to define their attendance requirements with statutory body approvals.
