UGC draft proposes biannual admissions

• The Parliament on Thursday (December 5, 2024) passed the Bharatiya Vayuyan Vidheyak Bill, 2024, which is expected to provide some relief to aviation personnel in their licensing processes.

Highlights:

• The Draft UGC (Minimum Standards of Instructions in the Award of UG and PG Degrees) Regulations 2024 introduces significant reforms in higher education, focusing on flexibility, multidisciplinary learning, and aligning with global standards. The reforms aim to enhance accessibility and adaptability for learners while promoting innovation in academic structures.

Key Features of the Proposed Regulations

1. Admission Reforms:

• Biannual Admissions: Admissions will be conducted twice a year (July/August and January/February), similar to practices in countries like the U.S.
• Open Eligibility Criteria: Students can enroll in any undergraduate (UG) or postgraduate (PG) program, regardless of their previous academic stream, if they clear relevant national or university-level entrance exams.

2. Multidisciplinary Learning and Credit Allocation:

• Students must earn 50% of their credits in their major discipline. The remaining credits can be allocated to skill development, apprenticeships, or interdisciplinary subjects.
• This provision supports holistic education and aligns with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 goals.

3. Flexible Degree Durations:

• UG programs can range from three to four years, and PG programs can be one or two years.
• Accelerated Degree Programs (ADP): Allows students to complete their degrees in a shorter duration based on credit-earning potential.
• Extended Degree Programs (EDP): Enables students to take longer durations, offering flexibility in course completion timelines.

4. Simultaneous Degrees and Continuous Evaluation:

• Students can pursue two UG or PG degrees simultaneously.
• Continuous assessments alongside semester-end exams will be introduced to ensure ongoing evaluation of student performance.

Details of Accelerated and Extended Degree Programs (ADP/EDP):

• Applicable only at the UG level.
• HEIs may allocate up to 10% of sanctioned seats for ADP, with no cap for EDP.
• A committee will assess the student's performance in the first or second semester to recommend their suitability for ADP or EDP.
• Degrees will specify whether they were completed in a standard, accelerated, or extended timeline.

Innovative Learning and Certification Options:

• Multiple Entry and Exit: Students can exit with a certificate, diploma, or degree at specified stages and rejoin later to complete higher qualifications, such as an honours degree.
• Recognition of Prior Learning: Students can leverage their previous academic and professional experiences to meet eligibility requirements.

Institutional Accountability:

• Higher education institutions (HEIs) will face penalties for non-compliance with UGC norms.
• HEIs will have the autonomy to determine attendance requirements in line with evolving academic needs.

Vision Behind the Reforms:

• UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar highlighted that these changes aim to decouple rigid discipline-specific eligibility, promote flexibility in learning pathways, and align Indian higher education with global standards. The reforms emphasize inclusivity, skill development, and adaptability to cater to diverse learner needs.

Prelims Takeaways

• NEP 2020
• Accelerated Degree Programme (ADP)
• Extended Degree Programme (EDP)