UGC approves flexible degree option

News: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced flexible options for undergraduate degree completion. It enables students to either speed up or extend their program duration.

As per the new guidelines, Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can offer two options: the Accelerated Degree Programmes (ADP) and the Extended Degree Programmes (EDP). Undergraduate students can choose an ADP or EDP at the end of their first or second semester, but not later. UGC approves flexible degree option.

About Accelerated Degree Programmes (ADPs)

• Students with outstanding academic performance can graduate earlier by earning extra credits each semester.
• A three-year program can be completed in five semesters, while a four-year program can be finished in six or seven semesters.

About Extended Degree Programmes (EDPs)

• Students experiencing personal, financial, or academic difficulties can extend their degree duration by up to two semesters.
• Fewer credits per semester are required for those on extended timelines.

Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) role

• HEIs will establish committees to assess student eligibility for ADPs and EDPs based on their credit-completion potential and performance in the first or second semester.
• These committees will suggest adjustments to the number of courses and credits per semester.
• An institution can earmark up to 10% of the sanctioned intake for ADP students, while there will be no cap on the number of EDP students.

Benefits of the initiative

• Degrees earned through ADPs or EDPs will be considered equivalent to those completed in the standard duration for employment, academic, and recruitment purposes.
• Government departments, private organizations, and recruitment agencies like UPSC and State Service Commissions will recognize these degrees equally.