November 29,2024 - The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved new guidelines that will allow students to finish their undergraduate degree either earlier or later than the usual time.

Here’s How it Works?

Accelerated Degree Programs (ADPs): Students can now complete their degree faster if they can handle more work, or they can extend their degree if they need more time. This flexibility will be based on how well they perform in their studies.

Credit System: The National Credit Framework (NCrF) allows students to earn credits at different speeds. So, if a student can manage more credits in a shorter time, they can finish the degree earlier.

Degree Duration

• For a three-year degree, students can finish it in as little as five semesters (one semester earlier than usual).

• For a four-year degree, students can finish it in six or seven semesters (up to two semesters earlier).

• Students can also extend their degree by up to two semesters if they need more time.

Eligibility and Evaluation

• Universities will form committees to check if students are eligible to finish early or extend their degree.

• These committees will evaluate students’ performance in the first or second semester and decide if they can speed up or slow down their course load.

Degrees Are Equal

• Whether a student finishes their degree earlier or later, the degree will be considered the same as one completed in the standard duration. This means employers and government agencies will treat all degrees the same, whether they are shortened or extended.