UGC's draft regulations for HEIs

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a draft of new regulations aimed at reshaping the framework for higher education in India. These regulations, titled UGC (Minimum Standards for the Grant of Undergraduate Degree and Postgraduate Degree) Regulations, 2024, will replace the older 2003 regulations and their amendments in 2008 and 2014. These proposed guidelines focus on making higher education more flexible, inclusive, and multidisciplinary to better prepare students for a rapidly changing world.

Key Features of the New UGC Draft Regulations:

• Biannual Admissions: Higher education institutions (HEIs) will now admit students twice a year — in July/August and January/February. Intake capacity will depend on the facilities available at the institution.
• Multidisciplinary and Flexible Learning: The regulations promote a shift towards multidisciplinary education where students can take courses across different fields of study, removing strict disciplinary boundaries. Institutions must include vocational education, training, and internships as part of both undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
• Multiple Entry and Exit Points: Students can now pause their studies and return later without losing credit. This feature supports lifelong learning.
  • If students leave their course early, they can still receive qualifications based on the number of credits earned (e.g., a certificate or diploma).
  • New pathways like the Accelerated Degree Program (ADP) allow students to complete their degree faster by earning more credits in a shorter time, while the Extended Degree Program (EDP) allows a longer duration with no credit limit.
• Credits and Skill Courses: For undergraduate degrees, students must earn at least 50% of their credits in their chosen major, with the rest coming from skill-based or multidisciplinary courses.
  • Skill-based assessments are now part of the curriculum, where students complete 40 credits for a certificate, 80 credits for a diploma, and 120 credits for a degree.
• Flexible Attendance Policies: HEIs will have the flexibility to set attendance requirements, considering various learning modes (e.g., online and blended learning). This allows greater flexibility for students, particularly those with different learning needs.
• Assessment Methods: The new assessment system will emphasize continuous evaluation through tests, seminars, class performance, and fieldwork, rather than focusing solely on end-of-course exams.
• New Certification Pathways: Students can now exit their programs at different stages and still earn qualifications:
  1. 40 credits + a 4-credit skill course = Undergraduate Certificate.
  2. 80 credits + a 4-credit skill course = Undergraduate Diploma.
  3. 120 credits = Undergraduate Degree.
• Flexible Admission Criteria: Students can now apply for any undergraduate program regardless of their school stream, as long as they qualify through an entrance exam.
  • Postgraduate programs will require a 3-year undergraduate degree (120 credits) or a 4-year degree with Honours (160 credits).

Potential Benefits and Concerns: