UGC urges HEIs to implement guidelines and enable students enroll in two academic courses simultaneously

The letter further pointed out that despite several reminders from the UGC, some universities are yet to facilitate the implementation of these guidelines.

The University Grants Commission, UGC, has urged Higher Educational Institutions or HEIs to implement the guidelines in facilitating students in pursuing two courses at the same time.

UGC has urged Higher Educational Institutions to implement the guidelines in facilitating students in pursuing two courses at the same time.

In a letter dated November 20, 2024, UGC secretary Prof Manish R. Joshi stated that many students continue to face challenges in enrolling two academic programmes simultaneously primarily due to the insistence of HEIs on submission of migration or school leaving certifications during admissions. “This requirement limits the students’ ability to secure admission to two programmes and undermines the purpose of the guidelines,” Prof Joshi stated in the letter.

The letter further pointed out that more than two years have elapsed since the issuance of the guidelines and despite several reminders from the commission, some universities are yet to facilitate the implementation of these guidelines.

In the letter, the UGC listed the guidelines which are mentioned below:

• A student can pursue two full-time academic programmes in the physical mode provided that in such cases, class timings for one programme do not overlap with the class timings of the other programme.
• 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.

For more related information, read the official letter here.