Education Desk
8 June
Sandeep Dhand
Journalist and Research Analysist
In a major relief for lakhs of students across India, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has made a big decision. The UGC has now allowed the recognition of two degrees obtained at the same time. Earlier, students were not allowed to pursue two full-time degrees together, and if they did, one of the degrees was considered invalid. Many students were worried about their career prospects, but now they can finally relax.
Big Change in UGC Policy
UGC had first issued guidelines on this matter in April 2022. According to the earlier rules, only those students who pursued two degrees after April 13, 2022, were eligible to get both degrees recognized. But many students had already completed two degrees at the same time before this date. Their efforts were going to waste because of the rule. However, with the latest update, UGC has amended its guidelines to include those students who did two degrees at the same time even before 2022. This change will benefit countless students who were previously unsure about the validity of their qualifications.
What the New Guidelines Say
According to UGC’s revised notification, students can now pursue and get recognition for two degrees simultaneously under certain conditions. The key requirement is that the class timings for both courses must not overlap. This means students must attend classes for both degrees at different times of the day.
Alternatively, students can pursue one degree in the regular (physical) mode and the other through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) or online mode. In fact, both degrees can even be done in online or distance learning mode. This flexibility will help students manage their studies more effectively and choose courses according to their interests and career plans.
Valid for All Past and Present Students
The best part of the revised policy is that it is not limited to students who enrolled after 2022. It will now also benefit those who had completed two degrees at the same time even before the 2022 notification. UGC has confirmed this change through an official notification available on its website ugc.gov.in. This decision will have a positive impact on the careers of many students who were earlier unsure if their degrees would be accepted by employers or educational institutions.
A Step Towards a Secure Future
This step by UGC has been widely appreciated in academic circles. It ensures that students’ hard work does not go in vain. Whether they want to apply for higher education, government jobs, or private sector employment, they can now confidently present both degrees.
The revised guidelines reflect a more flexible and student-friendly approach by UGC. In today’s competitive world, students often want to acquire knowledge in multiple fields at the same time. UGC’s new policy supports such aspirations and removes unnecessary barriers from their path.
In conclusion, the recognition of two degrees pursued at the same time—now valid even for those done before 2022—is a landmark decision. It protects students’ futures, respects their effort, and opens more doors of opportunity. Students are encouraged to review the new guidelines and ensure that their course combinations meet the UGC’s conditions.