UGC announces new rules for undergraduate and postgraduate courses
Babushahi Bureau
New Delhi, April 27, 2025: The University Grants Commission (UGC) has shared new rules for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) courses starting from 2025.
The most significant change is the introduction of multiple entry and exit system. These changes are aimed at making education more flexible and student-friendly under the National Education Policy (NEP 2020).
What is the Multiple Entry and Exit System?
The Multiple Entry and Exit System allows students to leave the course after one, two, three, or four years. Whether a student leaves the course after one year or three or four years, he or she will receive a certificate, diploma, or degree.
However, students must complete the required credits. Students can resume their studies later from where they left off.
Credit Distribution
After completing one year of the course, students will receive 40 credits, which is equivalent to a certificate course.After two years, 80 credits will be awarded, which is equivalent to a diploma.
After three years, 120 credits will be awarded, which represents a general degree.After four years, 160 credits will be awarded, which will grant students a research degree as well as an honours degree.
UGC Rules on Credit System
UGC has established clear rules regarding the credit system. Credits will be awarded for each subject studied.
These credits will be stored in a digital system called Academic Bank of Credit (ABC). Students can accumulate, transfer or use their credits across universities and institutions in India.
Promoting skill-based education
UG and PG students can pursue two UG and PG programs simultaneously. They can also study from different universities or in different formats (offline, online, or distance education).
UGC has also integrated skill-based education with regular studies. Students must obtain at least 50% of the credits in their main subject, while the remaining credits can be obtained through vocational courses, internships, or multidisciplinary subjects.
Twice-a-year admissions
The new UGC rules allow admissions twice a year, in July/August and January/February, giving students more opportunities to start their education.The UGC has directed all universities to comply with these new rules. The UGC believes that this will help make education more flexible and practical.
If universities fail to comply, the UGC can take action, including stopping them from awarding certain degrees.