The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released the draft of the UGC (Minimum Standards of Instructions in the Award of UG and PG Degrees) Regulations 2024, which proposes sweeping changes to the structure, admissions, and examinations of undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs across India.
Key Highlights of the Proposed Changes:
1. Flexible Admission Criteria: One of the most significant proposals is that students, regardless of their academic background or stream in school, will now be eligible to pursue any UG or PG program, provided they clear a relevant national or university-level entrance exam. This move aims to break traditional discipline-specific barriers, fostering a more inclusive education system.
2. Biannual Admissions: The regulations propose allowing higher educational institutions (HEIs) to admit students twice a year, similar to systems in countries like the U.S. The two admission windows would be in July/August and January/February. This flexibility will provide students with more opportunities to enter higher education programs.
3. Dual-Degree Pursuits: Students will have the option to pursue two UG or PG degrees simultaneously, a change designed to promote interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary learning. This reform offers students the chance to expand their academic horizons and enhance their qualifications.
4. Multiple Entry and Exit Options: The regulations also highlight multiple entry and exit points, allowing students to leave their degree programs at various stages and return later, depending on their academic or career choices. This aligns with the spirit of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
5. Accelerated and Extended Degree Programs: Students will have the flexibility to either shorten or lengthen their degree programs, based on their individual needs. Accelerated programs will enable students to complete their UG degrees in a shorter time frame, while extended programs provide the option to pursue a more comprehensive academic experience.
6. Shift from Discipline-Specific Requirements: In a major shift from traditional systems, students will no longer be restricted by the disciplines they studied in school. Instead, they can choose any program they qualify for, as long as they meet the entrance exam requirements. This change will encourage greater flexibility and diversity in academic pursuits.
7. Autonomy in Attendance Policies: The new regulations provide universities with the autonomy to determine attendance requirements, allowing them to adopt flexible learning modes and ensure alignment with evolving academic needs. This change gives institutions the freedom to better cater to diverse student learning preferences.
UGC Chairman’s Statement
UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar emphasized the transformative nature of the proposed reforms, stating: “We have decoupled eligibility for UG and PG admissions from the rigid discipline-specific requirements of school education. Under these regulations, students can choose to study in any program, irrespective of their past disciplinary qualification, as long as they demonstrate their competency by clearing the relevant entrance examinations.”
He added, “Recognizing the diverse learning modes promoted by NEP 2020, these regulations provide autonomy to HEIs to determine student attendance requirements, ensuring they align with evolving academic needs.”
A Step Toward Global Standards
The UGC’s proposed reforms are designed to bring Indian higher education in line with global standards, while promoting inclusivity and adaptability to meet the needs of a diverse student population. Students will now have more freedom to design their academic journeys, integrating skill development, apprenticeships, and multidisciplinary learning into their degree programs.
Upcoming Changes
Once these regulations are finalized and published in the gazette, universities across India will begin implementing the changes. The draft regulations also stipulate that HEIs prepared to manage biannual admissions can begin admitting students twice a year starting from the academic year 2024.
In conclusion, the UGC’s proposed reforms mark a major step in reshaping higher education in India, offering students more flexibility, diverse learning paths, and opportunities for multidisciplinary studies. The move is expected to open doors for a broader range of academic and professional opportunities for students across the country.
