The Draft UGC (Minimum Standards of Instructions in the Award of UG and PG Degrees) Regulations 2024 | A Comprehensive Overview

 

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The University Grants Commission (UGC) has proposed transformative changes in the structure and admission processes for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs under the Draft UGC (Minimum Standards of Instructions in the Award of UG and PG Degrees) Regulations 2024. These sweeping reforms aim to align Indian higher education with global standards while promoting inclusivity, flexibility, and multidisciplinary learning.

Key Highlights of the Proposed Regulations

1. Biannual Admissions: For the first time, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) may offer **admissions twice a year**, typically in **July/August** and **January/February**. This aligns with global practices, such as those in the United States, and ensures greater flexibility for students.

1. Decoupling of Disciplines for Admissions: Students can pursue any UG or PG program regardless of their prior disciplinary background. Admission eligibility will be determined through **national-level or university-level entrance examinations** relevant to the chosen discipline. This decoupling promotes interdisciplinary education and caters to diverse learner interests.
2. Multiple Entry and Exit Options: Students can earn certificates, diplomas, or degrees based on the number of credits earned at various stages. For instance:

• A **certificate** after completing one year.
• A **diploma** after two years.
• A **degree** after three years.
• The option to rejoin later for a **fourth-year honours program** or **research component**.

4. Multidisciplinary and Skill Development Focus: Students are required to earn **50% of their credits in their major discipline**, with the remaining 50% allocated to:

• Skill development courses.
• Apprenticeships.
• Multidisciplinary subjects.

 5. Flexible Program Durations: The duration of UG and PG programs has been made adaptable:

• UG programs: **3 or 4 years**, with options for accelerated or extended completion.
• PG programs: **1 or 2 years**, depending on the UG degree completed.

6. Accelerated Degree Program (ADP) and Extended Degree Program (EDP): These programs allow students to shorten or extend their UG course duration based on their performance and preferences. Key provisions include:

• HEIs may allocate up to **10% of seats** for ADP students, with no cap for EDP.
• Students can opt for ADP/EDP after their **first or second semester**, based on recommendations from an institutional committee.
• The curriculum content and total credits remain the same, with adjustments only to the duration.
• Degree certificates will indicate whether the program was completed in a shorter or longer timeframe.

7. Continuous Evaluation and Credit System: The regulations emphasize **continuous formative assessments** alongside semester or year-end examinations. Each course’s credits will be determined by the respective academic body and communicated to students in advance.

8. Autonomy for HEIs: HEIs have been granted autonomy to:

• Determine minimum attendance requirements.
• Develop institution-specific policies for implementing the proposed regulations, subject to approval by their statutory bodies.

Additional Provisions and Benefits

1. Multidisciplinary Learning: The regulations promote the **National Education Policy (NEP) 2020**’s vision of multidisciplinary education. Students can customize their learning paths, integrating diverse subjects and practical skills into their academic journey.
2. Recognition of Prior Learning: The draft regulations acknowledge and reward prior learning modes, ensuring that students from non-traditional or diverse educational backgrounds are not left behind.
3. Improved Global Competitiveness: According to UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar: “These reforms ensure Indian higher education evolves to meet global standards while staying rooted in inclusivity and adaptability.” The flexibility in program durations and the multidisciplinary approach prepare students for dynamic global job markets.
4. Disciplinary and Honours Pathways: Students completing a **4-year UG degree with honours** in a specific discipline or a **4-year UG degree in engineering** will be eligible for relevant **2-year PG programs** such as M.Tech or M.E., ensuring streamlined academic progression.

Proposed Consequences for Non-Compliance:

To maintain academic integrity, the draft regulations propose penalties for HEIs that fail to adhere to UGC norms. These measures aim to uphold the quality and credibility of Indian higher education.

Conclusion

The Draft UGC (Minimum Standards of Instructions in the Award of UG and PG Degrees) Regulations 2024 marks a significant step toward transforming Indian higher education. By introducing biannual admissions, promoting multidisciplinary learning, and offering flexible program durations, these reforms aim to make education more inclusive and globally competitive. Once implemented, these changes are expected to enhance the accessibility, adaptability, and quality of higher education in India.

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Hemesh Choudhary

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