UGC Unveils New Rules for UG and PG Courses, Introduces Flexible Education System
The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced new regulations for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses, effective from 2025. These reforms, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, aim to make higher education more flexible, accessible, and skill-oriented.
The most notable change is the introduction of the Multiple Entry and Exit System, allowing students the freedom to exit a program after completing one, two, three, or four years. Depending on the exit point, students will be awarded a certificate, diploma, or degree, provided they have earned the necessary credits. Additionally, students can later resume their studies from where they left off.
Credit distribution under the new system is clearly defined. Completing one year will grant 40 credits and a certificate, two years will provide 80 credits leading to a diploma, three years will earn 120 credits for a general degree, and four years will accumulate 160 credits, awarding an honours or research degree.
All credits will be recorded digitally in the Academic Bank of Credit (ABC). This platform will allow students to accumulate, transfer, and redeem credits across recognized universities and institutions throughout India.
In another significant move, the UGC has encouraged students to pursue skill-based education alongside their regular courses. Students must earn at least 50% of their credits in their core subject, while the remaining credits can be achieved through vocational courses, internships, or interdisciplinary subjects. Students are also allowed to pursue two UG or PG programs simultaneously, even from different universities or in other formats like offline, online, or distance education.
Furthermore, admissions will now take place twice a year—in July/August and January/February—giving students more opportunities to start their educational journey.
The UGC has mandated all universities to implement these changes. Non-compliance could lead to strict action, including the suspension of their degree-awarding authority.
These transformative steps are expected to revolutionize India’s higher education system by making it more student-friendly, skill-driven, and adaptable to global standards.
