The standards for studying dual degree programmes, in which students can pursue two academic programmes at the same time, have been announced by the University Grants Commission (UGC). Under specific conditions, the guideline permits students to take courses in both Open and Distance Learning (ODL)/online and physical modalities.
Students can pursue two full-time academic programmes in physical mode, as long as the class times for the programmes do not overlap, according to the criteria. The commission also allows students to pursue one programme in physical mode and the other in online mode, or up to two online programmes at the same time. The recommendations will take effect on April 13, 2022, according to the UGC.
Universities should design procedures to conduct dual degree programmes through statutory bodies, according to the UGC. The restrictions will only apply to students pursuing academic programmes other than PhD programmes, according to the commission.
Only higher education institutions authorised by the UGC, statutory councils, or the Government of India can provide degree or diploma programmes in ODL format, according to the commission’s guidelines. It also states that students who have already completed two academic programmes concurrently prior to the publication of these guidelines are not eligible for a retrospective advantage.