In a significant development for higher education, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has announced that higher education institutions (HEIs) will soon offer undergraduate students the opportunity to shorten or extend the duration of their studies.

UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar revealed the decision following a meeting this week, during which the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the implementation of the Accelerated Curriculum (ADP) and of the Extended Curriculum (EDP) have been approved.

The new draft standards will be made publicly available for feedback from education stakeholders. As part of this initiative, degrees awarded under the ADP and EDP will include a notation indicating that the academic requirements for a standard duration have been met, regardless of the time taken. These diplomas will be considered equivalent to standard duration diplomas for academic and recruitment purposes.

“Students can adapt the duration of their studies according to their learning abilities,” Kumar explained. The ADP allows students to complete a three- or four-year degree in a shorter time frame by earning additional credits each semester, while the EDP offers a longer time frame with a reduced credit load.

Kumar emphasized that both programs will require students to earn the same total credits as those in standard length programs. HEIs will be responsible for forming committees to assess students’ eligibility for these options, with institutions allowed to allocate up to 10% of their sanctioned admissions towards ADP.

Students can apply for ADP or EDP at the end of their first or second semester. Those who opt for ADP will begin earning additional credits during the following semester, depending on when they make the switch.

For the EDP, the maximum extension allowed is two additional semesters, allowing students to earn fewer credits each term. The UGC has clarified that institutions can award degrees on completion of the program within the chosen time frame without waiting for the standard duration to expire.

The UGC initiative aims to provide greater flexibility and accommodate diverse learning paces among students, potentially enhancing their educational experience and career preparation.