In a significant move, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced that higher education institutions (HEIs) in India will be allowed to admit students twice a year in regular mode starting from the academic year 2024-25. This decision, revealed by UGC Chairperson M. Jagadesh Kumar, was taken during a meeting held on May 5 and aims to provide greater flexibility and opportunities for students.
Traditionally, universities and colleges have admitted students annually in July-August, but this new policy will enable HEIs to offer admissions either in January/February or July/August. This follows the successful implementation of biannual admissions for open and distance learning (ODL) and online programs, which began last year and saw nearly half a million students benefit from the flexibility.
“After the UGC permitted two-cycle admissions in a year for ODL and online modes, an additional 4,28,854 students joined in January 2023, in addition to the 19,73,056 students enrolled in July 2022,” said Kumar. He highlighted the positive response and significant interest from students in these biannual admissions, prompting the extension of this policy to regular mode programs.
With this new policy, HEIs offering programs in regular physical mode will be able to admit students twice a year, enhancing opportunities for those who may have missed the traditional admission cycle due to delays in board results, health issues, or personal reasons. This change is also expected to benefit industries by allowing for biannual campus recruitment, thereby improving employment prospects for graduates.
Kumar noted that universities worldwide already follow a biannual admission system, and adopting this cycle in India will enhance international collaborations and student exchanges. “Our global competitiveness will improve, and we will align with global educational standards,” he said.
The biannual admissions system is also anticipated to significantly increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio and contribute to making India a ‘Global Study Destination,’ as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
However, Kumar emphasized the need for HEIs to work on administrative intricacies and good planning to maximize the benefits of biannual admissions. “HEIs can maximize the usefulness of biannual admissions only when they sufficiently prepare the faculty members, staff, and students for the transition,” he added.
This policy is not mandatory, and only HEIs with sufficient infrastructure and teaching faculty are encouraged to adopt the biannual admissions system. The UGC’s decision marks a crucial step towards more flexible and accessible higher education in India, catering to a diverse student population and aligning with global practices.
Sources By Agencies
