UGC Draft Rules Introduce Flexible Undergraduate Degrees Under NEP 2020 Reforms

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has proposed new draft regulations to align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, offering "accelerated" and "extended" undergraduate degree options. These reforms provide greater flexibility, inclusivity, and interdisciplinary learning opportunities for students while modernizing higher education in India.

Key Highlights:

• Flexible Undergraduate Degree Durations:

  • UG degrees can now range from three to four years, with the option to shorten (accelerated degree program, ADP) or extend (extended degree program, EDP) the duration based on the student’s preference and pace.
  • Students can opt for ADP or EDP by the end of their first or second semester, subject to an evaluation by the institution.
  • Higher education institutions (HEIs) can reserve up to 10% of seats for ADP, while EDP has no seat cap.

• Bi-Annual Admissions:

  • The regulations allow institutions to introduce two admission cycles per year, typically in July-August and January-February, enabling more flexible enrollment options.

• Interdisciplinary Flexibility:

  • Students can pursue any UG or PG discipline regardless of their Class XII or UG field, provided they clear the necessary entrance exams.
  • A minimum of 50% of total credits must be earned in a chosen major, with the remaining credits available for skill development, apprenticeships, or multidisciplinary studies.

• PG Programme Eligibility:

  • Students completing four-year UG degrees in levels like BSc (Hons) or BTech are eligible for two-year PG programs, such as ME or MTech.

Holistic Education Approach:

The regulations incorporate:

• Multiple entry and exit options in degree programs.
• Recognition of prior learning to ensure continuity for diverse learners.
• The flexibility to pursue two UG/PG degrees simultaneously.

Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, UGC Chairperson, stated that the guidelines aim to remove disciplinary rigidity, foster inclusivity, and align Indian education with global standards. “These reforms ensure higher education remains adaptable, interdisciplinary, and learner-centric,” he added.

Attendance and Institutional Autonomy:

The new rules allow HEIs to determine minimum attendance requirements for various programs with the approval of their statutory bodies.

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