In a historic move aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has officially permitted students to pursue two academic degrees simultaneously. This progressive step is set to revolutionise the Indian higher education landscape by offering students greater flexibility, multidisciplinary exposure, and enhanced employability.
Why This Matters: Breaking the Old Barriers
Until now, students in India had to choose just one full-time programme, leaving little room for those with diverse academic interests. Whether it was the arts and sciences, or commerce and humanities, combining them was impractical under the rigid structure of traditional higher education.
But with this new guideline, those boundaries are gone.
UGC’s dual degree policy embraces the NEP 2020 vision of flexible, multidisciplinary, and learner-centric education. The goal? To allow students to tailor their learning journeys to match their unique capabilities, interests, and career aspirations.
Key Highlights of UGC’s Dual Degree Guidelines
Here’s what the new rules enable:
Two Full-Time Degrees (in Physical Mode)
Students can now enrol in two regular, full-time academic programmes, provided that class schedules do not overlap. This opens up possibilities for combinations like B.A. Psychology with B.Sc. Data Science or B.Com with LLB, subject to institutional approval.
Mix of Online and Offline Modes
Students may also opt to pursue:
- One full-time physical programme + one online/ODL (Open and Distance Learning) programme
- Or even two online/ODL programmes simultaneously
This flexibility is especially beneficial for working professionals or students in remote areas.
Recognised Institutions Only
The ODL or online degree must be pursued through universities or institutions approved by UGC, relevant statutory councils, or the Government of India.
Not Applicable to Ph.D. Scholars
This scheme applies to all academic levels except Ph.D. programmes, ensuring that research quality and commitment remain uncompromised.
What This Means for Students
The dual degree option empowers students to:
- Diversify their skill set by combining disciplines (e.g., Engineering + Economics)
- Enhance employability by pairing technical knowledge with soft skills
- Pursue their passions alongside career-focused courses
- Save time by completing two degrees in the span of one
It also encourages students to engage with interdisciplinary knowledge, a crucial trait in the fast-evolving global job market.
How Universities Will Implement This
UGC has allowed individual universities to devise their own mechanisms and frameworks, through their statutory bodies, to operationalise this model. So while the central policy is clear, the logistics (like course combinations, credit limits, and examination timelines) will vary from institution to institution.
Career Point University Kota Leads the Way
Career Point University, Kota, has taken a proactive step by implementing the UGC’s dual degree guidelines. The university now officially offers students the opportunity to pursue two academic programmes simultaneously, aligning perfectly with the National Education Policy’s vision for flexible, multidisciplinary education.
Whether you want to combine a B.Tech with a BBA or pursue a degree in Arts alongside a professional course, CPU Kota makes it possible within a structured and recognised framework.
Interested Students – Here’s What to Do
For detailed information about available combinations, eligibility criteria, and the application process, students are encouraged to get in touch directly with the Admission Coordinator at Career Point University, Kota.
The Road Ahead: A New Era of Academic Freedom
This initiative is more than a policy update—it’s a transformation in how we think about education. It empowers students to be creators of their own academic journeys and prepares them for real-world challenges by nurturing multi-skilled, well-rounded individuals.
Whether you’re a student exploring your options or an educator planning new curricula, this dual degree opportunity is a golden chance to reimagine learning.
