New UGC guidelines: students to complete their Honours Degree in 4 years, not 3

According to the new guidelines presented by UGC in accordance with NEP 2020, Honours Degree will be provided after a 4 year course instead of 3 and on completion of 160 credits. It has also been mentioned that students leaving a course after 1 year will receive a certificate, after 2 years they will be eligible for a diploma and after 3 years a Bachelor's Degree will be provided. It is only at the completion of 4 years that a student will be able to receive their Honours Degree.

The announcement has received mixed responses from students and teachers. Some universities are condemning it but at the same time, some are appreciating the multiple entry and exit options that would be available. It also has created another big question mark for the students who are in the midst of pursuing their degrees. Some of the received statements are pointing towards the rules being applicable only to new students, but it has also been mentioned that already enrolled students might also be eligible for it and bridge courses may be introduced for this smooth transition.

The proper guidelines for final clarity will be notified during the upcoming week.

What do you think of these new guidelines?

Report by Maitri Mittal

Graphics by Lakshita Makkar