UGC allows Indian universities to offer admissions twice a year

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has agreed to permit higher education institutions to admit students twice a year, effective with the upcoming academic year, marking a significant departure in policy. Admissions will now be available in July/August and January/February, giving applicants who missed the first cycle owing to personal, medical, or board result delays more options.

Biannual admissions, according to UGC Chairman Professor Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar, will help students by shortening the enrollment wait period and boosting their motivation. Additionally, it makes it possible for businesses to recruit graduates on campuses twice a year, which improves job prospects.

Before, the UGC allowed admissions for online and Open and Distance Learning (ODL) every two years, which led to around 500,000 more students enrolling. The UGC expanded the strategy to include regular mode programs in response to this success.

This adjustment brings Indian universities into line with international standards, which could enhance cross-border cooperation and student exchanges. It is not necessary for HEIs to offer biennial admissions, nevertheless, and their policies must be changed to reflect this method.

It is anticipated that biannual admissions will raise the Gender Enrollment Ratio and help India become a “Global Study Destination,” as the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 envisions.