UGC Releases New Regulations on UG & PG Degrees Under NCrF Framework

 

UGC Releases New Regulations on UG & PG Degrees Under NCrF Framework

New Delhi, May 2025 – The University Grants Commission (UGC) has notified the latest guidelines for undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) degree programmes under the UGC (Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degree) Regulations, 2025. These regulations are aligned with the National Credit Framework (NCrF), ensuring greater academic flexibility and learner-centric design.

Duration of UG and PG Degree Programmes Updated

As per the 2025 regulations:

• Undergraduate degrees can now be of 3 or 4 years duration, depending on the learner’s pace and the structure of the chosen programme.
• Postgraduate degrees will typically span 1 or 2 years, offering flexibility based on prior learning, credits earned, and academic performance in the UG level.

This change is intended to provide multiple entry and exit options to students, promote lifelong learning, and encourage interdisciplinary education.

Key Highlights of the UGC Regulations 2025

1. Flexibility Through NCrF
   The implementation of the National Credit Framework (NCrF) allows students to accumulate and transfer credits across academic levels, including vocational and skill-based training.

2. Exit and Re-entry Options
   Students can exit after 1 year with a certificate, after 2 years with a diploma, and after 3 or 4 years with a degree. Re-entry at any stage is allowed, as long as the credits are valid and match programme criteria.

3. Focus on Multidisciplinary and Holistic Education
   Aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the new framework promotes broad-based education with flexible curricula, creative combinations of subjects, and integration of vocational education.

4. Enhanced Employability and Research Orientation
   The four-year UG programme may lead to a research degree or professional track, enhancing employability and readiness for advanced studies.

Implementation and Awareness

To ensure proper dissemination of the new guidelines, UGC has launched awareness materials, including posters and a QR code for direct access to the official document. Institutions are expected to adopt the new structure starting from the academic year 2025-26.

Read Full Notification: Click here to download PDF

Conclusion

The UGC Regulations 2025 mark a significant step toward flexible, student-centric higher education in India. With the NCrF at its core, this framework will allow learners to pursue education in a modular, skill-integrated, and credit-based manner, promoting inclusivity and academic mobility across institutions.