UGC Approves Partial Modification in Guidelines for Pursuing Two Academic Programmes Simultaneously

 

🎓 UGC Approves Partial Modification in Guidelines for Pursuing Two Academic Programmes Simultaneously

Now, Prior Dual Degrees Can Also Be Recognized Under Specified Conditions

New Delhi, June 5, 2025 – The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a major update to its guidelines regarding the simultaneous pursuit of two academic programmes. In a notification dated 5th June 2025, UGC has approved a partial modification to Point No. 5 of the previously issued guidelines.

The change, approved in the UGC’s 589th meeting held on 3rd April 2025, now allows certain students who pursued two academic programmes before the official issuance of these guidelines to be considered eligible for recognition, provided specific conditions are met.

🆕 What Has Changed?

Previous Rule (Before Modification):
Students who had already pursued two academic programmes simultaneously before UGC’s notification were not eligible for any retrospective benefit.

New Modified Rule (After UGC’s Approval):
UGC will now treat such dual academic pursuits as valid, provided:

• The programmes were pursued as per UGC First Degree and Master Degree Regulations,
• Followed the statutes/ordinances of the concerned university, and
• Met the norms prescribed by statutory professional councils and the Distance Education Bureau (DEB), wherever applicable.

📘 Why This Matters for Students

This update brings relief to students who had pursued two degrees simultaneously prior to UGC’s official notification but were previously ineligible for validation of both degrees.

With this amendment, such academic qualifications will now be recognized, provided they adhered to the regulatory frameworks and institutional guidelines that existed at the time.

📢 Implementation by Universities and Colleges

The UGC has enclosed the revised copy of the guidelines along with the notification and has requested all universities and affiliated institutions to implement this update for the benefit of students.

The notice was signed by UGC Secretary Prof. Manish R. Joshi, who stressed the importance of ensuring that students are not deprived of academic recognition due to timing-related technicalities.

• Title: UGC Modifies Guidelines for Pursuing Two Academic Programmes Simultaneously
• Meta Description: UGC approves a key modification to the dual degree guidelines, allowing recognition of two academic programmes pursued simultaneously before official notification, subject to conditions.
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