The University Grants Commission (UGC) is set to allow students the option of completing their degree programs more quickly, with plans for three-year courses to be finished in just two and a half years and four-year courses in three years starting from the academic year 2025-26. This announcement was made by UGC Chairman M. Jagadesh Kumar during a southern zone conference for autonomous colleges in Chennai, focused on the implementation of the National Education Policy 2020.
Kumar noted that students who prefer a slow pace can still opt to complete their three-year degrees over four years. He emphasized that those capable of handling an accelerated pace can potentially save six months to a year in their education timeline. Additionally, he mentioned that students have the flexibility to take breaks from their studies and return later due to the multiple entry and exit points within the courses.
A committee led by V. Kamakoti, the director of IIT Madras, presented recommendations to the UGC concerning these new degree structures, which were approved on Wednesday. Kumar indicated that more detailed guidelines would be provided shortly.
Regarding the introduction of four-year degree programs, Kumar highlighted the benefits for students. He explained that in their fourth year, students would have opportunities to engage in research projects, apply for patents, and publish their findings, indicating a nationwide push to implement these four-year undergraduate programs. States such as Kerala and West Bengal have already started adopting this model.
When questioned about Tamil Nadu’s resistance to the National Education Policy 2020, Kumar refrained from offering a direct response. However, he reiterated the NEP's goals of fostering problem-solving and critical thinking skills among students, striving to prepare them to contribute effectively to both the nation and the state of Tamil Nadu. He stated, “If the goals are the same, you can call it by any name.”
Regarding the inclusion of UGC nominees in Vice-Chancellor search committees, he stated, “The matter is currently in the Supreme Court. All universities are required to adhere to UGC regulations, as the court has confirmed that these take precedence over other laws. Consequently, a UGC representative must be present in the V-C search committees.”
Several universities in Tamil Nadu, such as Anna University and the University of Madras, have been without vice-chancellors due to the ongoing dispute between the governor and the state government. “Universities cannot operate without their leaders. It is essential that vice-chancellors be appointed promptly,” he emphasized.
Addressing the financial challenges faced by state universities, he noted that it is the responsibility of the state government to provide funding. He encouraged institutions to explore various avenues for raising funds, such as collaborations with industry.
The UGC chairman highlighted that 20 universities are currently being scrutinized for producing subpar PhDs and failing to comply with norms. “We have requested all data pertinent to PhD admissions and the issuance of degrees from these universities. Should we discover any deficiencies in their PhD programs, we will prohibit these institutions from awarding PhDs,” Jagadesh Kumar stated.
Wishing a prosperous future for India!
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