The University Grants Commission (UGC) has granted higher education institutions the flexibility to admit students twice a year, starting from the upcoming academic session. Previously, admissions were limited to the July-August period, but now institutions can also admit students in January/February alongside the existing cycle. This flexibility applies to PhD, postgraduate, and undergraduate programs, excluding central universities.

This decision, according to UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar, aims to provide institutions with the option to increase student intake and offer new programs. The UGC emphasized that biannual admissions are not mandatory, leaving it to universities to decide based on their infrastructure and faculty capabilities.

Chairman Kumar highlighted that the move follows successful trials in open and distance learning programs, where it allowed nearly half a million students to join courses sooner than they could under the previous system.

To implement the biannual admission system, universities must obtain approvals from their academic and executive councils, and amend their institutional regulations accordingly.

Regarding entrance exams, Kumar noted a trend towards conducting them twice a year to benefit students, leveraging technological advancements in exam administration.