UGC Announces 7 Major Changes for UG and PG Courses [2024-2025]

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For the past few years, the Indian education system has been continuously developing, and now the University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced 7 major changes for UG and PG Courses. All these changes aim to make higher education more flexible and student-friendly. As these changes are part of NEP 2020, it has a vision to make the academic journey more flexible.

In this blog, we will be discussing these changes and how they transform the current education policy. Also, we will talk about how these changes are beneficial for students.

Also Read:- UCG Approved Online Universities

Major Changes By UGC: An Initiative Of NEP 2020

We all know that NEP (National Education Policy) was created in 2020 by the Ministry of HRD to transform the entire education policy of the country. During the implementation of NEP 2020, we have seen many major changes. Now, UGC has come up with a few more changes to the UG and PG programs.

As Per the UGC New Guidelines, there are some major changes, to the UG and PG Programs. These changes are student-centric, they provide more flexibility to the courses and give students few advantages during their course duration. Also, these changes offer equal weightage to the skills to the academic performance.

7 Major Changes For UG And PG Courses

The major changes are as follows:

1. Biannual Admissions For Flexibility

As per the UGC new rule now we have two admission cycles each year, which means you can apply for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses twice – once in the January/February session and again in the May/June session.
With this biannual admission system, students no longer need to waste 6 months waiting for the next admission cycle if they weren’t selected earlier. This change can help reduce dropout rates and free up more seats in colleges and universities. It also makes higher education more inclusive and easier for more students to access.

2. Multiple Entry-Exit And Recognition Of Prior Learning

This new feature of UG and PG programs allows students to start, pause, and resume their studies through the multiple entry-exit system. You can exit after completing certain credits and return later without losing progress. It allows you to take breaks due to personal or work reasons and continue your degree when you’re ready.

Plus, UGC is now recognizing prior learning—if you’ve picked up skills through work experience, online courses, or other ways, you can get credit for that. It makes your academic journey a lot more flexible and real-world friendly.

Qualification Types And Credit Requirements

Levels	Qualification Title	Credit Requirement
Level 5	Undergraduate Certificate for those who exit after the first year (two semesters) of the undergraduate programme.	36-40
Level 6	Undergraduate Diploma (in the field of learning/discipline) for those who exit after two years (four semesters) of the undergraduate programme	72-80
Level 7	Bachelor’s Degree (Programme duration: Three years or six semesters)	108-120
Level 8	Bachelor’s Degree (Honours/Research) (Programme duration: Four years or eight semesters).	144-160
Level 8	Post-Graduate Diploma for those who exit after the successful completion of the first year or two semesters of the two-year master’s degree programme.	36-40
Level 9	Master’s Degree (Programme duration: Two years or four semesters after obtaining a bachelor’s degree)	72-80
Level 9	Master’s Degree (Programme duration: One year or two semesters after obtaining a four-year bachelor’s degree (Honours/Research).	36-40
Level 10	Doctoral Degree	Minimum prescribed credits for coursework and a thesis with published work

Read more: UGC guidelines for Multiple Entry-exit programs

3. Multi-Disciplinary Admissions

Now, students can choose from multiple disciplines and explore subjects beyond their primary field. Whether in Engineering, Commerce, or Humanities, you can choose elective courses from other areas of interest if they pass the national-level or university-level exam for your selected program.

So, if you’re studying Science but are passionate about Literature, or if you want to combine Technology with Business, you have the freedom to do so, you just need to qualify for the entrance exam.

This change makes your education more flexible and allows you to create a learning experience that fits your interests and career goals. It’s all about making your degree more interdisciplinary and well-rounded.

4. Flexible Attendance Policies

Due to the diverse learning needs of students and the growing shift towards hybrid education, universities now have the freedom to set their attendance policies for different programs. With approval from their governing bodies, institutions can create custom attendance requirements that blend traditional classroom learning with online classes and hands-on experiences.

This allows universities to be more flexible with attendance so students can learn in a way that fits their lifestyle and personal situation. Whether you’re in class, attending online sessions, or doing hands-on learning, the goal is to make education more accessible and better suited to today’s students.

5. Credit Distribution For Degrees

This change is made to focus equally on skill-based learning and academic knowledge, students must complete at least 50% of their credits in their chosen major. The remaining credits can be used for skills courses, internships, or even subjects from other fields.

This new system ensures that students not only gain deep knowledge in their primary area of study but also develop practical skills and explore other subjects. It’s designed to provide a more balanced education, preparing students for a wider range of opportunities after graduation.

6. ADP And EDP Programs

This change has been made due to the different learning paces of the students, UGC new guidelines have introduced Accelerated Degree Programs (ADP) and Extended Degree Programs (EDP) for undergraduate courses.

If a student wants to finish their degree faster, they can choose the ADP option after their first or second semester. For these students, up to 10% of the total seats can be allocated for quicker course completion. On the other hand, students who need more time to complete their degree can opt for EDP, with no limit on the number of students in this pathway.

The curriculum and credit requirements for both programs remain the same, but the pace of study is adjusted. The degrees earned through these programs will mention whether they were completed in an accelerated or extended time frame.

7. Eligibility For 4-Year UG Graduates To Pursue Advanced PG Programs

This change is beneficial for students who complete a 4-year undergraduate degree (Honors or Honors with Research) in relevant subjects and will now be eligible to directly apply for advanced 2-year postgraduate programs, like M.E. or M.Tech.

This change makes it easier for students to move from undergraduate to postgraduate studies, giving them a chance to focus on more in-depth and research-based learning. It’s a excellent opportunity for students who want to specialize further in their field and pursue careers in research or higher education.

Benefits Of These Changes

More Flexibility: With biannual admissions, multiple entry-exit options, and hybrid learning, students can customize their learning journey to fit their lifestyle and needs.
Improved Learning Opportunities: Discipline-agnostic admissions and skill-based courses give students the chance to explore various fields, preparing them for diverse careers.
Access to Advanced Studies: Graduates of 4-year UG degrees can now directly pursue advanced PG programs, offering them a smoother transition into specialized, research-oriented education.
Better Career Preparation: ADP and EDP programs help students gain practical skills quickly or at their own pace, aligning with their career goals and enhancing employability.
Reduced Dropout Rates: Flexible options for admissions and degree completion make it easier for students to stay on track and finish their studies, reducing the chances of dropping out.

Impact On The Education System

More Accessible Education: With biannual admissions, multiple entry-exit options, and hybrid learning, education will be more available to a wider group of students. It makes higher education easier to access, no matter what your background or schedule is.
Focus on Practical Skills: The introduction of skill-based courses, internships, and opportunities to study different subjects means students will gain practical skills alongside their academic knowledge. This makes them better prepared for the job market.
More Opportunities for Research and Specialization: With the option for 4-year UG graduates to directly enter advanced PG programs, more students will get involved in research and specialized learning. This helps build a stronger research culture in universities and can lead to innovations in various fields.
Flexible Learning for Institutions: Universities now have the freedom to create their attendance policies, making it easier to combine classroom learning with online classes and practical experiences. This flexibility helps meet the needs of different types of students.
Less Academic Pressure: With options to either finish studies faster through ADP or take more time through EDP, students can choose their pace. This reduces pressure and helps students manage their studies in a way that suits them best.

Conclusion

Upcoming UGC’s new changes make higher education in India more flexible and easier to access. With biannual admissions, multiple entry-exit options, hybrid learning, and flexible attendance policies, students can now have more control over how they learn.

These changes help students explore different subjects, build practical skills, and open more opportunities for advanced studies and career growth. The goal is to reduce dropouts and allow students to learn at their own pace, making education more inclusive and future-ready.

FAQs

Q.1 What does UGC introduce the key changes?

Ans: UGC has introduced biannual admissions, multiple entry-exit options, hybrid learning, flexible attendance, and new credit systems to make education more flexible and accessible.

Q.2 What are ADP and EDP programs?

Ans: ADP allows students to finish their degrees faster, while EDP gives them more time to complete their studies. Both offer flexible learning paces.

Q.3 How will these changes impact students’ future career opportunities?

Ans: The changes help students gain practical skills, specialize in areas of interest, and better prepare for the job market.

Q.4 What is the benefit of flexible attendance policies?

Ans: Universities can adjust attendance policies, allowing students to combine classroom, online, and hands-on learning.

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