New Delhi: In a bold move aimed at revolutionizing India’s higher education system, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has unveiled the Draft UGC (Minimum Standards of Instructions in the Award of UG and PG Degrees) Regulations 2024. These proposed changes introduce several transformative features that has the potential to significantly reshape the academic landscape for students and Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) alike.
Among the most significant changes is the introduction of biannual admissions, which will allow HEIs to admit students twice a year – in July/August and January/February. This flexibility provides students with greater opportunities to join academic programs, ensuring that their education is less constrained by rigid admission cycles. Institutions that are ready to handle this shift will have a competitive edge in accommodating a wider pool of applicants.
The draft regulations also emphasize multiple entry and exit options, which means students can now leave programs at different stages with recognized qualifications. This is being seen as an important move as it will allow students to pursue skills, apprenticeships, or other academic ventures even if they do not complete their degree. The recognition of prior learning will also give credit for real-world experience, enhancing the employability of graduates.
Furthermore, the regulations offer students the flexibility to choose disciplines irrespective of their background. A student who has studied humanities at the undergraduate level will now be eligible to pursue a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) postgraduate degree if they qualify in the relevant entrance exam. This creates a more fluid, interdisciplinary learning environment, as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has advocated.
One of the defining features of the draft regulations is the Accelerated Degree Program (ADP) and Extended Degree Program (EDP). These options offer students the choice to complete their undergraduate degrees in a shortened or extended period, depending on their academic ability and personal circumstances.
Speaking to the Sunday Guardian, Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, Chairperson of the University Grants Commission, said that the future of education lies in adaptability, and these measures will ensure that students are equipped with the right skills and knowledge at their own pace.
“These new provisions are designed to cater to the diverse needs of students and empower them with greater flexibility in how they pursue their academic and career goals. Additionally, students will now have the option to earn 50% of their credits in their major discipline, while the remaining credits can be allocated to skill development, apprenticeships, or multidisciplinary subjects, fostering holistic development,” Kumar said.