New Delhi: The University Grants Commission (UGC), in a significant policy shift, has permitted Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to admit students twice a year or biannually in regular mode from the academic year 2024-25. UGC chairperson M Jagadesh Kumar on Tuesday made the announcement explaining the benefits of the biannual admissions, which is aimed at providing more opportunities for the students and reducing the waiting time. With this new academic policy coming into effect, the admissions at the higher education institutions will now be open twice a year, which will be in January-February and July-August.

In 2023 UGC Allowed Students to Take Admission in Open And Distance Learning

According to UGC chairperson Kumar, the decision was taken during the UGC meeting held on May 5, 2024. Presently, universities and colleges take admissions of the students annually in July-August every year, in regular mode. Therefore, all higher education institutions in India follow the academic session that begins in July-August and ends in May-June.

Last year, the UGC allowed students to take admission in open and distance learning (ODL) and online modes biannually in January and July during an academic year. Kumar said that last year’s decision had helped nearly half a million students join their degree programs without waiting for one full academic year. Encouraged by this success, the UGC extended the policy to regular mode programmes.

As the HEIs is set to witness a major policy change, an analysis on why the decision was necessary and how helpful it will be for the students.

More Opportunities, Reduced Wait Time

According to the UGC chairperson, admissions will now be open twice a year for the students, providing more opportunities for students who miss the initial cycle due to delays in board results, health issues, or personal reasons. He also explained that biannual admissions will benefit students by reducing the wait time for enrollment and increasing their motivation.

The decision has been implemented in Indian universities on lines of foreign varsities, which will also allow industries and various firms to conduct campus recruitment twice a year, enhancing employment opportunities for graduates.

This change aligns Indian universities with global practices, potentially improving international collaborations and student exchanges. However, offering biannual admissions is not mandatory, and HEIs must amend their regulations to accommodate this system.