UGC New 2025 Policy, Dual Degrees Now Officially Allowed

UGC Dual Degree Policy 2025: Overview

What Are the New UGC Guidelines for Dual Degrees?

The revised guidelines offer students more options to combine different academic programmes without restrictions. Here’s what you need to know:

• Two Full-Time Degrees – Possible with Non-Overlapping Schedules: Students can now enroll in two full-time physical (regular) mode programmes simultaneously.
• Mix of Regular + Online/Distance Learning (ODL) Allowed: Students can pursue: One full-time (physical) + one ODL/Online degree OR Two ODL/Online degrees together.
• Only UGC-Recognized Institutions Eligible: ODL/Online programmes must be offered by UGC-approved or government-recognized institutions. Degrees from unrecognized institutions will not be valid.
• No Retrospective Penalty for Past Dual Degrees: If a student has already pursued two degrees simultaneously before these guidelines, their qualifications will remain valid if they followed previous UGC rules.
• PhD Students Not Covered Under These Rules: The dual degree policy does not apply to PhD programmes.

UGC’s New Dual Degree Rules: What’s Changed?

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has updated its policy on pursuing two academic programs simultaneously, offering students greater flexibility in their education journey. The key change? Your previous dual degrees may now be valid!

Why Did UGC Introduce These Changes?

The UGC’s decision to allow dual degrees isn’t just a small update—it’s a strategic shift in Indian higher education. Here’s why this change matters:

• Implementation of NEP 2020 Vision: The changes directly implement the National Education Policy’s goal of creating a more flexible, multidisciplinary education system. By allowing simultaneous degrees, UGC is breaking down traditional barriers between academic streams and promoting holistic learning.
• Validation of Past Dual Degrees: Many students had already pursued two degrees simultaneously under university rules, only to face uncertainty about their validity. The modified guidelines now provide retrospective recognition to such cases, protecting students’ academic investments.
• Meeting Evolving Student Needs: Today’s learners increasingly seek diverse skill sets to remain competitive. The new rules acknowledge this trend by enabling combinations like engineering+management or science+arts that enhance employability.
• Promoting Online/Distance Learning: By permitting two online degrees or one regular+one online program, UGC is accelerating the mainstreaming of digital education and making quality programs accessible to wider demographics.
• Optimizing Education Efficiency: The policy allows students to save time and resources by pursuing complementary degrees concurrently, aligning with global best practices in higher education.

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