Undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) aspirants can now pursue admissions in any discipline, irrespective of their previous area of study in class 12 or their undergraduate programme. This shift is part of the University Grants Commission's (UGC) newly proposed regulations, which emphasise flexibility, inclusivity, and multidisciplinary learning in higher education.
The UGC unveiled the draft regulations on December 5, 2024, outlining minimum standards for granting UG and PG degrees, as per a report by PTI. UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar highlighted the transformative impact of these reforms, stating they aim to remove disciplinary rigidity and provide students with greater academic freedom.
"Irrespective of the disciplines taken by a student in level 4 or Class-12 schooling, a student is eligible for admission in any discipline of UG programme if the student qualifies the national-level or university-level entrance examination in the discipline of UG programme," the draft regulations stated.
Flexible Entry and Exit Options
In alignment with the National Credit Framework (NCrF), the regulations allow universities to admit students directly into the second, third, or fourth year of an undergraduate programme and the second year of a postgraduate programme, based on the availability of academic and physical facilities. This feature introduces enhanced flexibility in entry and exit pathways, making higher education more adaptable to diverse learner needs.
Pursuing Two Degrees Simultaneously
The regulations also permit students to pursue two UG or PG programmes simultaneously, with the option to switch disciplines, institutions, or learning modes. This flexibility is supported by the UGC's Curriculum and Credit Framework, designed to accommodate diverse academic aspirations.
Redefining Credit Allocation
Students can now allocate 50% of their credits to their major discipline, with the remaining credits dedicated to skill development, apprenticeships, or multidisciplinary subjects. This approach fosters a holistic educational experience, preparing students for a dynamic global workforce.
"We have also decoupled eligibility for UG and PG admissions from the rigid discipline-specific requirements of school education. Under these regulations, students can choose to study in any programme irrespective of their past disciplinary qualification if they demonstrate their competency by clearing the relevant entrance examination,” said UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar.
He added, “With these reforms, we ensure that Indian higher education evolves to meet global standards while staying rooted in inclusivity and adaptability to diverse learner needs”.
The proposed regulations mark a significant step toward modernising India’s higher education system, aligning it with global practices and enhancing accessibility for students across disciplines.