University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Jagadesh Kumar said on April 12 that students can now study two full-time degree programme in physical mode at the same university or from separate universities at the same time.
The UGC has developed new recommendations to assist students in identifying their unique potential while enrolled in various courses at a physical university. According to Kumar, this will provide transdisciplinary and comprehensive education across domains.
Guidelines for pursuing a dual degree through the UGC:-
- A student can enrol in two full-time academic programmes in physical mode as long as their class schedules do not overlap. A student can, for example, combine a BA in Economics with another degree programme at a nearby university (probably an evening programme).
- Students can enrol in two physical courses, as well as one full-time physical course and one online or open-distance learning course.
- Students can take two online courses by combining one online course with another online course.
The dual degree programme will eliminate sharp distinctions between courses.
The programme has been designed to give students flexibility so that they can receive a holistic and diverse education. “We are making it easier for kids to customize their education and increase their choice of what they want to study,” he said of the project. Students will be able to better organize their academic careers as a result of the dual degree programme, he said, as well as identify and pursue their passions and realize their full potential.
There will be no clear distinctions between arts and sciences, curricular and extracurricular activities, or vocational and academic streams in this curriculum. Students will be able to specialize in multiple subjects according to their areas of interest. “If a student desires and is eligible, he or she will be allowed to study a BCom and a mathematics degree simultaneously under this reform. The goal is to provide kids as much freedom as possible, “Kumar stated his opinion.
UGC-approved non-technical courses to be offered
For the time being, the Dual Degree programme will only provide non-technical degrees that have been approved by the UGC. They can be a mix of courses from diverse streams, such as humanities, science, and commerce, and admission will be granted based on the student’s eligibility and programme availability.
Only lecture-based courses, such as undergraduate, postgraduate, and diploma programme, will be covered by the standards. This strategy does not apply to MPhil and PhD programme.
Though reports imply that universities will not be required to follow these criteria, the commission hopes that more institutions will allow students to pursue two degrees simultaneously.
Universities will develop academic policies based on the UGC’s dual degree guidelines.
“If a university needs a student to take the CUET, they must do so; if another institution he or she is considering does not require such a test, they must follow that institution’s admission process,” Kumar added.
“Institutions and statutory bodies will be able to adopt the guidelines in whatever way they see fit after they have received them. The admissions process and eligibility for exams will be determined by the different universities, “he stated.
There will be no exceptions to credit standards:
Students will be expected to complete all of the credits required for a degree, diploma, or certificate. The attendance requirements for the programme would be determined by the colleges and institutions, according to the UGC Chairman. Kumar further stated that students will not be permitted to use credits obtained in one programme to satisfy the requirements of another. “Each programme has its own credit requirements, which they must meet. They can combine two degrees with one set of credits “he stated There will be no exceptions when it comes to credit standards.