The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a fresh notice urging Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to adopt guidelines that allow students to pursue two academic courses at the same time, as part of the National Education Policy (NEP). UGC Secretary Manish R. Joshi expressed concerns that, despite repeated reminders, many universities have failed to implement this option even after more than two years.

The UGC notice highlighted that students still face challenges in enrolling in two academic programmes simultaneously, mainly due to HEIs requiring migration or school-leaving certificates for admission. This requirement, the UGC said, restricts students from taking up dual courses and goes against the spirit of the guidelines.

The notice also pointed out that more than two years had passed since the guidelines were issued, but many institutions have not yet facilitated their implementation.

UGC Guidelines for Pursuing Two Academic Programmes Simultaneously

The guidelines, introduced in April 2022, specify the following:

• A student can pursue two full-time academic programmes in physical mode, as long as their class timings do not overlap.
• A student may also choose one full-time physical programme and one in Open and Distance Learning (ODL)/Online mode or even pursue two ODL/Online programmes at the same time.
• Degree or diploma programmes under these guidelines must follow the regulations set by the UGC and relevant statutory or professional bodies, when applicable.
• These guidelines came into effect from the date of notification, and students who pursued dual courses before the notification cannot claim retrospective benefits.

Challenges in Implementing the Dual-Course Facility
While the UGC’s dual-course framework offers students the flexibility to gain qualifications in different fields, several challenges have slowed its widespread adoption.

Administrative Hurdles: Many universities still demand migration or school-leaving certificates during the admission process. This requirement prevents students from enrolling in more than one institution simultaneously, directly opposing the UGC’s objective.

Operational Issues: Universities also face practical challenges, such as aligning class schedules to avoid conflicts and ensuring sufficient infrastructure and faculty support for dual-course students.

These logistical obstacles have delayed the implementation of the dual-course model.

Lack of Awareness and Preparedness: Some universities are either unaware of the UGC guidelines or lack the readiness to adjust their administrative and academic structures. Changes in policies, curricula, and exam schedules are often not implemented, further slowing progress.

Resistance to Change: Traditional mindsets in many institutions have led to resistance against the dual-course policy. Concerns over overwhelming faculty and infrastructure have contributed to the reluctance to adopt the new framework.

Student Readiness and Awareness: Many students are not aware of the option to pursue two academic programmes at once due to insufficient communication. Additionally, the potential challenges of managing multiple courses and balancing workloads might discourage students from taking advantage of the dual-course facility, even if it is available.

The UGC is working towards addressing these challenges to provide more opportunities for students to enhance their academic and career prospects through dual academic programmes.