The University Grants Commission (UGC) has released updated guidelines allowing students to pursue two academic degrees at once. Approved during the 589th UGC meeting on April 3, 2025, this step aligns with the goals of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Under the new rules, students now have more freedom in higher education. The move also recognises earlier dual degrees that followed set conditions.
Highlights of the Revised Guidelines for UGC Dual Degree Norms
- Students can now:
- Enrol in two full-time programmes in physical mode, if class timings do not overlap.
- Pursue one full-time physical course and one in online or distance mode at the same time.
- Take up two online or ODL (Open and Distance Learning) programmes together.
- All programmes must be from institutions recognised by the UGC, statutory councils, or the Government of India.
- These rules do not apply to Ph.D. programmes.
Recognition of Past Degrees
The UGC has made a key change in policy. It will now recognise degrees earned through dual enrolment before this notification. But this applies only if:
- Both programmes followed UGC’s First and Master’s Degree Regulations, and
- They met the norms of the relevant statutory councils or distance learning bodies.
Also Read: Dual Degree Programs in India- Good or Bad
This change helps many students who earlier faced doubts over their dual degrees.
Colleges and universities must now apply these guidelines through their statutory bodies. The aim is to support flexibility and multiple learning options in higher education.
The revised norms will come into effect from the official date of notification by the UGC.
