Students can now choose to shorten or extend their course: UGC Chief

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced that students will soon have the flexibility to shorten or extend their degree duration. This revolutionary change, aimed at providing more autonomy to students, is set to transform the higher education landscape in India.

According to UGC Chairman, M Jagadesh Kumar, students will have the option to complete their undergraduate and postgraduate programs in a duration of their choice. This means that students can opt for a shorter duration, such as three years for an undergraduate degree, or extend it to four or five years, depending on their academic goals and needs.

This reform is a significant departure from the traditional rigid degree structures and is expected to have a far-reaching impact on the way students learn and engage with higher education. By giving students the flexibility to pace their learning, the UGC aims to promote more personalized and effective learning experiences.

The UGC is working on the modalities and will soon release guidelines for universities to implement this change. The reform is expected to be rolled out by the next academic session and will apply to both online and distance learning programs.

This move is seen as a significant step forward in the government's efforts to reform the higher education sector. By putting students at the center of the learning process, the UGC is empowering them to take ownership of their academic journey.

The reform is also expected to have a positive impact on dropout rates, as students will now have the flexibility to pace their learning according to their needs. Moreover, this change will enable students to pursue other interests and passions, leading to a more holistic and well-rounded educational experience.

Overall, the UGC's decision to introduce flexibility in degree duration is a welcome move that has the potential to transform India's higher education landscape. By putting students first, the UGC is paving the way for a more inclusive, flexible, and student-centric education system.