UGC Urges Universities To Enable Two-Course Structure For Students

UGC : The University Grants Commission (UGC) has requested the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to implement guidelines that allow students to take two academic courses at the same time, as described in the National Education Policy. In a circular, UGC Secretary Manish R. Joshi raised concern that, despite repeated reminders, many universities had not provided the two-course facility to students after more than two years since the guidelines were issued.

The note highlighted the issues experienced by students due to HEIs requiring migration or school exit credentials during admissions. “This provision inhibits students from pursuing dual programs, which defeats the guidelines’ objective,” the note reads.

The UGC also mentioned the guidelines, issued in April 2022, for dual course enrolment:

A student can pursue two full-time academic programmes in the physical mode, as long as the class times for one does not overlap with the class times of the other programme.

A student can pursue two academic programs, one in full-time physical mode and another in Open and Distance Learning (ODL)/Online mode; or up to two ODL/Online programmes consecutively.

Degree or diploma programmes in DDL/Online mode may only be undertaken at HEIs that have been recognised by the UGC/Statutory Council/Govt. of India for running such programmes.

Degree or diploma programmes under these guidelines will be governed by the UGC Regulations as well as the respective statutory/professional councils, wherever applicable.

These guidelines will take effect on the day of their notification by the UGC. Students who completed two academic programs simultaneously prior to the notification of these guidelines cannot claim any retrospective benefit.

The guidelines outlined above will only apply to students pursuing academic programmes other than a Ph.D.

Objectives of the guidelines:

The initiative seeks to encourage transdisciplinary education, break down subject barriers, and promote holistic development.

Students can explore specific disciplines alongside character building, ethical values and intellectual curiosity.

The guidelines also aim to train individuals for rewarding professions while promoting economic independence.

The UGC’s appeal emphasises the necessity of HEI compliance in ensuring that students benefit from this transformative educational policy.

Apart from this, the UGC might also allow students to complete a four-year undergraduate degree in just three years. Students who can handle a heavier workload will benefit from this flexibility, allowing them to graduate sooner.

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