UGC has approved a proposal to allow students to pursue two degree programmes at the same time. One of the degrees has to be in the regular mode and the other either in open and distance learning or online. A student can pursue two degrees in different streams as well as from different institutions. S/he may also opt for the same institution.
NEW DELHI: A student of mathematics in Delhi University can now choose to simultaneously pursue any other degree course, say English literature from Ignou or any other institution.
In a move to improve their career prospects, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved a proposal to allow students to pursue two degree programmes at the same time. One of the degrees has to be in the regular mode and the other either in open and distance learning or online. A student can pursue two degrees in different streams as well as from different institutions. S/he may also opt for the same institution, provided it offers multiple mode of learning.
The detailed guidelines are to be notified soon.
A committee under UGC vice-chairperson Bhushan Patwardhan worked on the proposal based on feedback from the public.
As per the committee, since there is a minimum attendance criteria attached to regular degree programmes, the second degree has to be through distance or online mode.
The committee feels that this will offer better career opportunities to students.
UGC secretary Rajnish Jain said: "The commission has approved the proposal and guidelines on the same would be notified. Based on this decision, a student will be allowed to pursue two degrees simultaneously but for both the degrees the mode of delivery will be different. A student pursuing a regular degree can pursue a second degree only via ODL or online mode."