UGC Approves Biannual University Admissions Across India
New Delhi, 15th April 2025: In a major reform for higher education in India, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved biannual admissions for all universities, allowing institutions to admit students twice a year instead of just once. The new admission cycles will be held in July–August and January–February, similar to the system followed by distance education institutes like IGNOU.
The move is aimed at increasing flexibility for students, enabling faster graduation, and aligning Indian universities with global academic practices. It is expected to particularly benefit those who miss the traditional admission window or wish to complete their degrees at an accelerated pace.
Universities may choose to adopt the biannual system based on their infrastructure, faculty availability, and administrative capacity. Institutions will have the freedom to develop their own implementation guidelines.
Under the new framework, students pursuing a typical three-year degree (six semesters) may be able to complete it in five semesters, while four-year programs (eight semesters) could be finished in six or seven semesters. However, this fast-track option will be available to only 10% of applicants.
At the same time, the policy also accommodates students who require more time, allowing them to complete their degrees at a slower pace, beyond the standard duration.
