The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced a major update to how undergraduate (UG) and postgraduate (PG) programs are offered and managed in India. The UGC (Minimum Standards of Instruction for the Grant of Undergraduate and Postgraduate Degrees) Regulations, 2025 are designed to bring flexibility, quality, and skill-integration into higher education, in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Let’s break down what this means for students, universities, and the future of education in India.
Key Highlights of the New UGC Regulations
1. Multiple Entry and Exit Options
Students can:
- Exit after 1 year with a UG Certificate
- Exit after 2 years with a UG Diploma
- Exit after 3 years with a UG Degree
- Complete 4 years for a UG Honours or Honours with Research Degree
Re-entry is allowed up to 7 years under the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) system.
2. Biannual Admissions
Colleges and universities can now offer admissions twice a year:
- July/August
- January/February
This improves access and reduces academic loss due to gap years.
3. Freedom to Choose Any Discipline
Students can apply for any UG or PG program, regardless of their previous subjects in school or UG. They just need to qualify the entrance test at the national or university level.
4. Dual Degree Flexibility
Students can pursue:
- Two UG programs OR
- Two PG programs
simultaneously, even in different modes (online, ODL, offline).
5. Skill Integration and Credit Flexibility
- At least 50% of UG credits must be earned in the core discipline.
- The rest can come from skill-based, vocational, or multidisciplinary courses.
- All credits are tracked under the ABC system, even from ODL, online, or work-based learning.
6. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
Skills learned through work experience, informal or community learning can now be recognized and converted into academic credits.
7. Fast-Track & Extended Degree Options
Students can now:
- Complete UG degrees faster through the Accelerated Degree Path (ADP)
- Take extra time via the Extended Degree Path (EDP)
Degrees will still hold full value if credits and outcomes are met.
8. Modern Evaluation and Credit System
- Continuous assessment through seminars, presentations, class performance, and fieldwork
- Final exams can be written, oral, or mixed
- Institutions will provide transparent grading, and students will get access to their answer scripts if needed.
9. Institutional Guidelines
All Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) must:
- Maintain infrastructure standards
- Follow UGC’s Credit Framework
- Implement multi-disciplinary learning and skilling
- Ensure attendance and evaluation guidelines are followed
Summary of UGC 2025 Guidelines (UG & PG) – At a Glance
| Feature | New Regulation (2025) |
| Entry & Exit Points | Certificate (1 yr), Diploma (2 yrs), Degree (3 yrs), Honours (4 yrs) |
| Re-entry Flexibility | Allowed within 7 years via Academic Bank of Credits (ABC) |
| Admission Rounds | Biannual (July/August & January/February) |
| Subject Flexibility | No subject restrictions; entrance exam-based admission |
| Dual Degree | Allowed for UG & PG (simultaneously, across modes) |
| Credit Distribution | 50% major, 50% skill/multidisciplinary/apprenticeship |
| Fast or Extended Degrees | Accelerated or extended UG degrees via ADP/EDP |
| RPL (Prior Learning) | Recognized for credit via work/skill/community learning |
| Evaluation | Continuous + final exams; flexible formats; transparency |
| Skill Integration | Mandatory skill/apprenticeship integration into curriculum |
Final Thoughts
The UGC 2025 Regulations bring flexibility, access, and modern relevance to Indian higher education. Whether you’re a student looking to fast-track your degree, explore different disciplines, or combine academics with skills — these reforms empower you to learn your way.
Institutions now have the freedom to design learner-friendly, skill-driven programs that prepare students for both jobs and life.
