Baishali Mukherjee
The University Grants Commission (UGC) is all set to provide undergrad students with the option for faster completion of their degrees. This, they feel, will help students to complete their three-year curriculum in 2.5 years and their four year course in three years’ time. While making the announcement at the southern zone conference for autonomous colleges in Chennai on November 14, M Jagadesh Kumar, chairman of UGC, said that the new system will be in place from the 2025-26 academic year.
Kumar added that while the new rule will help the willing students to complete their degrees faster, those willing to complete the course within the total allocated time of three or four years will be allowed to do so. The new system comes with provisions for several entry and exit points during the undergrad courses and allows students to take breaks during the course.
According to Kumar the new framework is based on the recommendations from IIT Madras’ Director V Kamakoti and is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which calls for greater flexibility in the higher education sector.
Moreover, emphasizing NEP’s potential to transform the Indian education system, Kumar also highlighted key goals like access, equity, and inclusivity. “Educational institutions must ensure that higher education is affordable, fair, and supportive for our students to succeed,” he added.
However, the academia of the country is divided in their opinion on this new system. While some feel it will help fast learning students gain up to a year, others are skeptical about the quality of learning outcomes in a reduced timeline. Those supporting the announcement also feel that accommodating students who prefer a slower pace or need breaks during their studies allows flexibility and ensures inclusivity as it will help students to balance their education with personal or professional commitments. Additionally, the new framework will benefit the students enrolled in four-year degree programmes, by providing opportunities to undertake advanced projects, engage in research, and apply for patents or publications.
The detailed guidelines of the new system will be published soon.
Also read: Union education minister releases compendium of UGC regulations