The University Grants Commission (UGC) has unveiled draft regulations to redefine undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) degree programs in India. These reforms, aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aim to modernize higher education by fostering flexibility, interdisciplinary learning, and student-centric approaches.
Key Reforms in the New Regulations
1. Multiple Entry and Exit Points
One of the standout features of the draft is the introduction of multiple entry and exit points in academic programs. Students can pause their studies and return at a later stage without losing progress. This ensures continuity for learners who may wish to explore new disciplines or address personal challenges before resuming their education.
2. Biannual Admissions
Higher education institutions (HEIs) with adequate infrastructure can now offer biannual admissions during July/August and January/February. This move reduces waiting times for students and aligns Indian education with global standards, enhancing flexibility for academic enrollment.
3. Discipline-Agnostic Eligibility
In a significant shift, students can now enroll in UG or PG programs in any discipline, irrespective of their prior qualifications. Eligibility will depend on passing national or university-level entrance exams. This change promotes interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary education, a core objective of NEP 2020.
Flexible Learning Policies
4. Customized Attendance Requirements
Recognizing diverse learning modes, such as online and experiential education, HEIs can now set flexible attendance policies tailored to specific programs. Institutions, with statutory approval, can balance traditional classroom sessions with innovative hybrid education models.
5. Credit-Based Degree Structure
The draft regulations introduce a credit allocation framework to ensure a holistic learning experience. Students pursuing an undergraduate degree must complete at least 50% of their credits in their major discipline, while the remaining credits can be earned through skill-based courses, apprenticeships, or electives from other fields.
New Pathways: Accelerated and Extended Degree Programs
6. Accelerated Degree Programs (ADP)
Students who demonstrate high academic performance can opt to complete their degrees faster through ADPs, with up to 10% of institutional seats reserved for such candidates.
7. Extended Degree Programs (EDP)
For those requiring additional time due to personal or academic reasons, the EDP pathway offers flexibility without compromising curriculum or credit requirements.
Degrees earned under these pathways will explicitly state their accelerated or extended durations, maintaining transparency.
Advanced Eligibility for Postgraduate Programs
8. Special Provisions for 4-Year UG Graduates
Students completing a 4-year UG degree with Honors or Honors with Research can directly pursue advanced PG programs, such as M.E. or M.Tech. This alignment fosters seamless transitions from undergraduate to postgraduate education while encouraging research-focused learning.
Empowering Higher Education Institutions
The UGC’s proposed regulations also grant HEIs greater autonomy. Institutions can implement these flexible models to create innovative academic environments while ensuring adherence to national educational objectives.
Vision for Modernized Higher Education
These proposed reforms reflect the UGC’s commitment to transforming India’s higher education landscape in line with NEP 2020. By integrating flexibility, interdisciplinary learning, and student-centric policies, the regulations aim to prepare learners for the dynamic demands of the global knowledge economy.
With its focus on removing academic rigidity and promoting inclusivity, this framework positions Indian higher education to achieve global standards while nurturing a generation of versatile, skilled, and socially responsible graduates.
