Allow Students To Pursue Two Academic Courses Simultaneously, UGC Tells Higher Educational Institutions

NEW DELHI: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has asked the Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) to implement the guidelines in facilitating students to pursue two academic programmes at the same time.

In a recent letter, UGC secretary Manish R. Joshi has highlighted that many students are facing challenges in enrolling for two academic programmes simultaneously due to the insistence of HEIs on submission of migration or school leaving certifications.

“This requirement limits the students’ ability to secure admission to two programmes and undermines the purpose of the guidelines,” Prof Joshi said.

The letter further pointed out that more than two years have passed after guidelines relating to allowing students to pursue two academic programmes simultaneously were issued. Despite several reminders, some universities are yet to facilitate the implementation of the guidelines.

Key takeaways from the guidelines issued by the UGC

• A student can pursue two full-time academic programmes in physical mode provided that in such cases, class timings of both programmes do not overlap.
• A student can pursue two academic programmes, one in full-time physical mode and another in Open and Distance Learning (ODL)/Online mode; or up to two ODL/Online programmes simultaneously.
• Degree or diploma programmes under DDL/Online mode shall be pursued with only such HEIs which are recognized by UGC/Statutory Council/Govt. of India for running such programmes.
• Degree or diploma programmes under these guidelines shall be governed by the Regulations notified by the UGC and also the respective statutory/professional councils, wherever applicable.
• These guidelines shall come into effect from the date of their notification by the UGC. No retrospective benefit can be claimed by the students who have already done two academic programmes simultaneously prior to the notification of these guidelines
• The above guidelines shall be applicable only to the students pursuing academic programmes other than Ph.D. programme.

Objectives of the guidelines

• Recognising, identifying, and fostering unique capabilities of students by sensitising teachers and parents to promote each student’s holístic development in both academic and non-academic spheres.
• No hard separations between arts and sciences, between curricular and extra- curricular activities, between vocational and academic streams to eliminate hierarchies and silos between different areas of learning.
• Multidisciplinary and a holistic education across the sciences, social sciences, arts, humanities, and sports for a multidisciplinary world to ensure the unity and integrity of knowledge.
• Enabling an individual to pursue one or more specialised areas of interest at a deep level, and also develop character, ethical and constitutional values, intellectual curiosity, scientific temper, creativity, and spirit of service.
• Offering the students, a range of disciplines including sciences, social sciences, arts, humanities, languages, as well as professional, technical, and vocational subjects to make them thoughtful, well-rounded, and creative individuals.
• Preparing students for more meaningful and satisfying lives and work roles and enabling economic independence.

To view the full notification, click here.