In a letter dated November 20, 2024, the University Grants Commission (UGC) urged Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to adhere to the guidelines allowing students to enroll in two academic courses simultaneously. Despite the issuance of these guidelines two years ago, many universities have yet to comply, prompting a renewed appeal from UGC Secretary Professor Manish R Joshi.
Key Provisions of the Guidelines
- Simultaneous Enrollment: Students are permitted to enroll in two full-time courses, provided that the schedules do not overlap.
- Flexibility in Course Formats: One course can be pursued physically on campus, while the other can be taken through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) or online modes.
- Institutional Eligibility: Only UGC-recognized institutions can offer degree or diploma programs through ODL or online modes.
- Exclusions: PhD programs are excluded from this provision, which applies prospectively from the date of notification.
Objectives of Dual Enrollment
The initiative aims to foster a more flexible, multidisciplinary educational environment, allowing students to break free from rigid subject barriers. It encourages personal development, ethical growth, and intellectual exploration, enabling students to pursue specialized fields alongside the development of character and values.
The policy also intends to prepare students for successful careers, promoting economic independence and holistic growth. The UGC’s emphasis on compliance is crucial to ensure that students are able to benefit from this transformative policy.
Challenges and Compliance
Professor Joshi noted that some HEIs are still requesting migration or school leaving certificates during admissions, which hampers students’ ability to pursue dual programs. This requirement, he stated, defeats the intent of the dual enrollment guidelines, which seek to offer more flexibility and opportunities for students.
The UGC continues to stress the importance of adhering to these guidelines, which have the potential to reshape the higher education landscape by offering students greater academic freedom and career prospects.
