NEW DELHI: Students in India will soon have the freedom to pursue undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG) programs in any discipline, regardless of their previous academic streams, under new draft regulations proposed by the University Grants Commission (UGC). This flexibility, however, will require students to clear national or university-level entrance exams, such as CUET.
The proposed regulations, released for public feedback on Thursday, aim to overhaul India’s higher education system by dismantling rigid disciplinary boundaries. They will apply to all central, state, private, and deemed universities.
Key Highlights of the Draft UGC Regulations
- Interdisciplinary Admissions:
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- Class 12 students from any stream can enroll in any UG program of their choice, provided they qualify the relevant entrance exams.
- UG graduates can similarly transition into any PG discipline after clearing the necessary exams.
- Biannual Admissions:
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- Higher education institutions (HEIs) can admit students twice a year, in July/August and January/February cycles.
- Multiple Entry and Exit Points:
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- Students can enter and exit programs at different academic levels with interim qualifications, such as diplomas or degrees, depending on earned credits.
- This aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and emphasizes flexibility in education pathways.
- Flexible Credit and Degree Structures:
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- UG programs can span three or four years, with options for extensions or accelerated completion.
- PG programs will typically last two years, though graduates from four-year UG programs may qualify for one-year Master’s degrees.
- At least 50% of credits must be earned in the core subject, while the rest can come from multidisciplinary or skill-based courses.
- Recognition of Prior Learning:
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- Students’ professional experiences can be converted into academic credits, enabling smoother transitions between vocational and general education streams.
- Curriculum and Attendance Reforms:
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- Institutions can define attendance norms tailored to program requirements.
- The focus on formative assessments, internships, and skilling reflects the framework’s commitment to holistic, multidisciplinary education.
UGC’s Vision for Transformative Education
UGC Chairperson M. Jagadesh Kumar said the Draft UGC Regulations 2024 aim to modernize higher education by fostering flexibility, inclusivity, and adaptability. He emphasized that removing disciplinary restrictions will allow students to explore diverse learning opportunities and align India’s education system with global standards.
The draft also includes measures for integrating internships, apprenticeships, and skill development into UG and PG curricula, enhancing students’ employability and readiness for the workforce.
These changes, built on the NEP 2020 framework, promise to reshape the education landscape by prioritizing student choice, interdisciplinary learning, and a more dynamic academic ecosystem. Feedback on the draft is currently being solicited, with implementation expected after final approval.
