UGC Expands Flexibility: Students Can Now Pursue Two Full-Time Degrees Simultaneously
Pune, 9th June 2025: In a landmark move aimed at enhancing academic flexibility, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has revised its guidelines to allow students to pursue two full-time physical degree or diploma programs simultaneously, as long as their schedules do not clash. The revised norms also permit combinations of physical, online, and distance learning (ODL) courses, reflecting a more adaptive approach to modern education needs.
These updated guidelines were approved in the UGC’s 589th meeting held on April 3 and formalized through a circular issued recently. The revisions build upon the dual-degree policy first introduced in 2022, offering even greater freedom in how students shape their academic journeys.
Key Features of the Revised Guidelines:
Students may enroll in two full-time physical degree or diploma programs, provided there’s no time overlap.
Alternatively, one may pursue a full-time physical course alongside an online or ODL course.
Two online or two ODL programs can also be pursued concurrently, as long as they are recognized by the UGC, a statutory authority, or the Central Government.
These provisions exclude PhD programs.
The UGC has asked all universities and affiliated institutions to adopt these changes through their governing bodies to ensure uniform implementation.
Retrospective Recognition for Past Dual Degrees
In a significant relief to past students, the UGC has also granted retrospective validity to dual degrees earned prior to this notification, provided those qualifications align with UGC’s First Degree and Master’s Degree regulations or the applicable ODL norms. This clarification puts to rest years of ambiguity over the legitimacy of simultaneously earned degrees, benefitting professionals who pursued parallel academic tracks.
The revised policy is expected to offer students more academic freedom, better career prospects, and opportunities for interdisciplinary learning in tune with the demands of the evolving global education landscape.
