The University Grants Commission (UGC) announced draft regulations on Thursday aimed at transforming higher education in India. Key features include twice-yearly admissions, multiple entry and exit options, and flexibility for students to choose any discipline, regardless of prior qualifications.
UGC Chairman Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar explained that the regulations align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, promoting inclusivity and multidisciplinary learning. Institutions can offer biannual admissions in July/August and January/February, fostering greater access for students.
Students can now pursue undergraduate or postgraduate programs in any discipline by passing relevant entrance exams, even if their prior qualifications differ. Additionally, students may earn 50% of their credits in a major discipline and the rest in skill development, apprenticeships, or multidisciplinary subjects, enabling holistic education.
The draft also introduces Accelerated Degree Programs (ADP) and Extended Degree Programs (EDP) at the undergraduate level. These options let students complete degrees faster or over an extended period while meeting academic requirements. Institutions can reserve up to 10% of seats for ADP, with no cap for EDP.
The regulations grant autonomy to higher education institutions (HEIs) to set attendance requirements based on evolving academic needs. A four-year undergraduate degree qualifies students for two-year postgraduate programs. Degrees completed under ADP or EDP will state that standard academic requirements were met in a shortened or extended duration.
To ensure compliance, UGC has outlined penalties for institutions that violate these rules. Non-compliant HEIs risk being barred from UGC schemes, offering degree programs, or being delisted. The UGC emphasized that ADP and EDP degrees will hold equal value with standard-duration degrees for recruitment and further studies.
These reforms aim to make Indian higher education more flexible, inclusive, and globally competitive while addressing diverse learner needs.
