UGC Guidelines 2024: Pursuing Two Degrees Simultaneously

The University Grant Commission (UGC) has released comprehensive guidelines for pursuing two academic programs simultaneously in 2022.

"The National Education Policy - NEP 2020 states that pedagogy must evolve to make education more experiential, holistic, integrated, inquiry-driven, discovery-oriented, learner-centered, discussion-based, flexible, and of course, enjoyable. It is an initiative by the UGC to the demand for higher education due to the limited no.

of seats in regular colleges. In the following sections, you'll get to know about comprehensive details of UGC guidelines for dual degrees. Click here for an official notification!

What is UGC?

The UGC was established on 28th December 1953 to help universities in India to improve their teaching, exams, and research. It became a government-authorized organization in 1956. The chairman of UGC is Prof. Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar.

The offices of the UGC are at three locations in Delhi:

• Bahadur Shah Zafar Marg in New Delhi
• 35 Feroze Shah Road
• The South Campus of the University of Delhi

The University Grants Commission (UGC) works under the Ministry of Education which allows the commission to develop higher education in India and also arrange the crucial exams of PHd level under the commission's surveillance.

It is important for universities to be recognized and accredited by UGC in order to be government-approved and maintain the quality of education in the university.

For pursuing any PHD course and to get eligible for a career as an assistant professor, It is mandatory for a candidate to be qualified in the UGC NET exam, as this will help them to have additional crucial achievement for better future opportunities. 

What are Dual Degree Courses?

As the name indicates, it includes pursuing two degrees simultaneously, either at the same university or at different universities with different modes. Students can pursue two bachelor's degrees or two master's degrees.

It is also known as a double degree or joint degree. While pursuing any dual degree it must be considered that the timing of classes does not clash. It is very beneficial for individuals who are willing to gain 2 degrees at the same time which also helps them gain multiple skills for better future opportunities.

A dual degree covers almost all the fields of courses whether it is business, technology, engineering, or any arts-related courses. Graduates can pursue any specific career with the additional knowledge they receive from the dual degree.

On the other hand dual degree also allows students to accelerate bachelor’s-to-master’s or master’s-to-Ph.D. programs.

Students can pursue dual degree programs in these ways:

Below we have mentioned the ways in which you can pursue dual degree programs;

1) One in Regular mode and the Other in Online mode

Students can enroll themselves in one regular mode and another in online mode or open and distance learning (ODL). it also includes the recognition of online degree must be from UGC. For Example, if you're pursuing a BA Hons (sub) and BA Journalism, you can pursue one of them Online mode as per your convenience as it will help you manage your time accordingly. 

2) Both in Online mode 

If you are unable to pursue a dual degree in regular or distance mode, you can also opt for an Online dual degree. By this, you can pursue both courses online only. The online universities must be recognized by UGC.

Objectives by the UGC

• The primary objective is to recognize, identify, and foster the peculiar abilities of the students, strengthening teachers and parents to promote every student's comprehensive development academically and non-academically.  
• There should not be major differences between subjects like science, music, maths, or extra activities this will also help in the end harmful hierarchies.
• In a world full of knowledge everyone is aware of the little bit of everything such as subjects like science, humanities, sports, etc. Willingness to learn and appreciate the beauty of different cultures. Studying different subjects in a dual degree helps students learn more subjects and cultures. 
• By educating yourself with different specializations helps in character development, and ethical and constitutional values, and nurtures intellectual curiosity. It's not completely based on academic education, it fosters a scientific mindset and creativity, which are essential for problem-solving and innovation. 
• The dual degree offers a varied range of disciplines including science, art language, etc that makes students experts in overall subjects and creative individuals. 
• In order to live successfully and meaningfully a dual degree makes students independent economically and mentally. 

Guidelines by UGC 

• Students are now can pursue two full-time academic programs at the same time with different modes as well (regular, online, distance) with only one condition, timings should not clash or overlap the classes. 
• Students can pursue courses that include one regular and another from online and distance mode.
• Institutions offering dual degree programs must be recognized by the UGC. 
• Any degree or diploma programs under these guidelines must follow the rules set by the UGC and any relevant professional or statutory councils, if applicable.
• Institutions offering dual degree programs must be recognized by the UGC. It is needed to ensure that the institutions are officially approved to meet the guidelines.

Benefits of Dual Degree Programs

A dual degree is usually known for gaining depth knowledge of two programs at the same time which allows students to study two different subjects with the same recognition. A dual degree also works great as a backup plan by providing two opportunities at the same time, below we have mentioned some of the major benefits of pursuing a dual degree.  

• Research Opportunities:Pursuing two degrees comes with a varied range of research opportunities that includes projects, and presentations with faculty in different subjects. It also helps in the communication and research skill enhancement of students. 
•  Personality development:Maintaining workload and studies while pursuing a dual degree enhances the ability of time management. It helps students to manage their time in a way that does not affect the studies of two courses.
•  Learning experience:Dual programs offer a varied range of learning experiences that include cultural knowledge, social networking opportunities, and career growth. It is crucial for students to build networks that will provide them a good career growth. 
•  Job Opportunities:Having two degrees at an early age will automatically enhance your job opportunities. you'll have a varied range of professional options to pursue. By making an informed decision students can lead a successful career.

Top Online Universities for Dual Degree Programs

We are aware of the fact that in the fastest-growing world of technology, most of the students want fast learning outcomes which also raises the need for dual programs in the education system. Pursuing online programs could be beneficial for dual degree students as it does not require any physical appearance at the campus.

Students can take classes anytime from anywhere at their convenience and can manage any regular or distance course in the meantime. Online universities provide high-quality educational content and faculty which provide students with good facilities in both aspects. Let’s explore some online universities that are providing dual degree programs. 

Online Universities Providing Dual Programs
Online Manipal	University of Mysore Online
Dy Patil Online University	Birla Institute of Technology and Science (BITS) Pilani
Jain Universityy Online	Amrita University Online
Amity Univerity Online	Chandigarh University Online
LPU Online	GLA University Online

Conclusion

In conclusion, the guidelines for dual degree programs ensure that the students pursuing this degree learn two completely different courses at the same time with different modes as well. Students get to learn about different cultures and new ways of learning and graduate with two different courses recognized by the UGC. The guidelines are only applicable to students pursuing academic programs only, It does not include PH.D program. As dual degree programs continue to evolve, maintaining these standards will be crucial in showcasing the unique opportunities and benefits they offer, while also protecting the reputation and credibility of the institution.