UGC Releases New Regulations for Undergraduate Admissions: Class 12 Pass-Outs Now Eligible Through Formal or Open Schooling

Level 4 Qualification Recognized for Entry into UG Programs Across India

New Delhi | May 13, 2025 — In a landmark step towards democratizing higher education and ensuring inclusivity, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued the University Grants Commission (Minimum Standards and Procedures for Award of UG and PG Degrees) Regulations, 2025. As per the new regulations, students who have passed Class 12 (Level 4) through formal schooling or open schooling — or its equivalent qualification — are now eligible for admission into undergraduate programmes in higher education institutions across India.

The announcement comes amid ongoing reforms in India’s higher education sector under the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates flexibility, accessibility, and multi-disciplinary learning pathways for learners from all backgrounds.

Key Eligibility Criteria for UG Admissions

According to the official Public Notice released by UGC, the primary eligibility for admission into an undergraduate (UG) programme is as follows:

• Candidates must have passed Level 4 / Class 12 schooling, either through:
  • Formal Schooling (CBSE, ICSE, State Boards, etc.)
  • Open Schooling (NIOS, State Open Boards)
• Or an equivalent qualification as recognized by relevant authorities or educational boards

This significant update expands the scope for students who may not have followed the conventional school education route but have achieved the academic competency equivalent to Class 12.

Official PDF link: UGC Notification on UG and PG Regulations 2025

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Bringing Open Schooling into the Mainstream

This regulatory update is especially significant for students who pursue their education via open and distance learning systems, like the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS), which has long been a lifeline for those unable to attend traditional schools due to financial, personal, or geographic limitations.

The formal acknowledgment of Level 4 completion via open schooling places these students on equal footing with their counterparts from regular schooling backgrounds, fulfilling the NEP’s objective of creating a flexible and inclusive education system.

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Bridging the Gap: Equivalency Recognized

The term "or its equivalent" plays a crucial role in the regulations. This indicates that students holding international qualifications or those who have completed vocational and skill-based Class 12 equivalent programs are also eligible for UG admissions, provided their qualifications are recognized by competent authorities such as:

• Association of Indian Universities (AIU)
• Boards recognized by the Ministry of Education
• Other statutory education bodies

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NEP 2020 and the Shift Toward Inclusive Higher Education

The changes introduced by the UGC are in alignment with the National Education Policy 2020, which emphasizes:

• Increased access to quality education
• Flexibility in curriculum and admissions
• Recognition of alternative and non-traditional education paths

By recognizing Level 4 schooling from open systems, the UGC is furthering NEP’s vision of "no hard separations" between different modes of learning and equalizing academic opportunities for all.

Expert Reactions and Policy Impact

Legal experts, educators, and policy analysts have welcomed the move:

"This update will empower lakhs of students from rural areas and marginalized communities who depend on open schooling. It’s a powerful step towards educational equity," says Dr. Rina Arora, a senior education policy analyst.

"Recognition of equivalent qualifications from open schooling systems removes the stigma and opens doors to prestigious colleges and universities," noted Prof. Sanjay Mehra, Principal of a Delhi University college.

With this inclusive criterion, more students will qualify for admissions into top institutions, including central universities, private universities, and deemed universities offering UG degree programmes in arts, science, commerce, management, and interdisciplinary fields.

Admissions Under the New Norms: What Students Need to Know

Students seeking undergraduate admissions for the academic year 2025–2026 must ensure that:

• They have successfully passed Class 12 or equivalent (Level 4).
• Their board or qualification is recognized by a statutory body.
• They are able to provide valid documentation proving eligibility at the time of admission.

Further admission processes such as entrance tests (like CUET), merit lists, or interviews will be based on individual university admission policies.

Next Steps for Universities and Institutions

All Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) are expected to:

• Update their admission brochures and websites to reflect the new eligibility norms
• Ensure transparency in recognizing open schooling and equivalent qualifications
• Build support systems to help students from open backgrounds integrate smoothly into college life

Many universities, including central and state-run institutions, are likely to release revised admission bulletins soon that reflect these criteria.

Impact on Enrolment and Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER)

India’s Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER) in higher education, which stood at 27.1% in 2019–20, is expected to rise as more students gain access through open schooling routes and alternative learning pathways.

The new regulations are expected to significantly:

• Boost enrolment numbers in undergraduate programmes
• Reduce dropout rates by offering flexible re-entry points
• Encourage lifelong learning and upskilling

UGC’s Push for Standardized, Quality Higher Education

The 2025 regulations are part of UGC’s broader efforts to:

• Standardize the minimum criteria for UG and PG programmes
• Promote multi-entry and multi-exit systems
• Enable students to pursue degrees through flexible, blended, and online modes

As India moves toward becoming a global knowledge hub, reforms like these ensure that no learner is left behind, regardless of their educational background.

Final Thoughts

The UGC Regulations 2025 on undergraduate admissions are a bold and timely reform that aligns with India’s commitment to universal access, equity, and excellence in education. By embracing students from both formal and open schooling systems, the UGC is not just redefining eligibility but also reimagining the future of higher education in India.

Students, institutions, and educators are encouraged to read the full guidelines and prepare for an inclusive, opportunity-rich academic year ahead.

For the full official document:

Read UGC’s UG and PG Regulations 2025 (PDF)

Stay tuned with us for the latest updates on university admissions, education policy reforms, and higher education trends in India.