UGC Draft Regulations 2024: Flexibility for UG, PG Admissions Across Disciplines

New Delhi: In a move aimed at transforming India's higher education system, the University Grants Commission (UGC) announced its Draft Regulations 2024, introducing biannual admissions, multidisciplinary learning, and flexible eligibility criteria for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programmes.

UGC Chairman, Prof. M. Jagadesh Kumar, emphasized that the reforms align with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, offering students the freedom to pursue disciplines unrelated to their prior academic backgrounds. Eligibility will now be determined through relevant entrance examinations, irrespective of past qualifications.

The draft also introduces provisions for Accelerated Degree Programmes (ADP) and Extended Degree Programmes (EDP), allowing students to complete their courses in shorter or extended durations. Students can earn up to 50% of their credits in their major discipline, with the remainder allocated to skill development, apprenticeships, or multidisciplinary subjects.

Biannual admissions, set for July/August and January/February, will provide greater access to higher education. HEIs have been granted autonomy to set attendance requirements and are urged to align their academic structures with global standards while maintaining inclusivity.

Prof. Kumar stated, “These regulations aim to foster holistic development and ensure degrees meet the diverse needs of today’s learners.”

Strict compliance measures have been outlined for institutions failing to adhere to these regulations, including potential debarment from UGC schemes and degree offerings.

The draft is a step toward making Indian higher education more flexible, inclusive, and globally relevant.