Hummingbird News Desk
KOLKATA, 12 JUNE: In a landmark decision, the University Grant Commission (UGC) has approved the implementation of biannual admissions for universities and higher education institutions (HEIs) across the country. Starting from the next academic year, HEIs will admit students twice a year, a significant shift from the current system of annual admissions.
The new admission cycles will be conducted in January-February and July-August each year. This move aims to increase student enrollments and minimize wait times, providing more opportunities for those who miss the initial admission cycle due to delays in board results, health issues, or personal reasons.
“If Indian universities can offer admission twice a year, it will benefit many students. Such as those, who missed admissions to a university in the July/August session due to a delay in the announcement of board results, health issues or personal reasons,” said Prof M Jagadesh Kumar, UGC chairman, in a statement to The Statesman on Tuesday. “Biannual university admissions will help students maintain motivation since they do not have to wait one full year to be admitted if they miss admission in the current cycle.”
Prof Kumar highlighted that biannual admissions would enable universities and institutes to better manage their resources, including faculty, labs, classrooms, and support services, resulting in a more efficient operational flow.
“Universities worldwide already follow a biannual admission system. If Indian HEIs adopt the biannual admission cycle, our HEIs can enhance their international collaborations and student exchanges. As a result, our global competitiveness will improve, and we will align with the global educational standards,” added the UGC chairman.
He further noted that the biannual admissions system could significantly increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio and transform India into a “global study destination,” a goal outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Previously, UGC regulations allowed HEIs to admit students once a year, with the academic session beginning in July-August. The commission had already implemented biannual admissions for open and distance learning (ODL) and online modes, which received tremendous response and interest from students in 2023. This positive feedback prompted the UGC to extend the policy to regular mode programs.
The UGC’s approval of biannual admissions marks a major advancement in the country’s higher education system, promising increased accessibility and flexibility for students nationwide.
Tags: #UGC #HigherEducation #HEI #BiannualAdmission
