Undergraduate students in India will soon have the flexibility to shorten or extend their degree programs, according to UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved guidelines for Accelerated Degree Programmes (ADP) and Extended Degree Programmes (EDP), designed to suit students’ varied learning paces and needs. These draft guidelines will be made public for feedback before implementation.

Under the Accelerated Degree Programme (ADP), students can complete their degrees faster by earning additional credits each semester. For instance, a standard three-year program could be completed in two to two-and-a-half years. In contrast, the Extended Degree Programme (EDP) allows students to spread their coursework over a longer duration, extending a three-year degree by up to two additional semesters. This option caters to students balancing education with work or other responsibilities.

Both ADP and EDP degrees will be equivalent to standard-duration degrees for academic and employment purposes. Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can allocate up to 10% of their intake for these programs. Student eligibility will be assessed after the first or second semester based on academic performance, ensuring fairness and maintaining standards.

The curriculum and credit requirements remain consistent across all program types, with transcripts noting the adjusted duration. This initiative aligns Indian higher education with global practices, offering flexibility seen in many top international universities. It aims to provide students greater control over their educational journey, enhancing motivation and accessibility while ensuring academic rigor.

Also read: UGC plans to allow undergrad degrees to be finished early