UGC to revisit idea of allowing students to do multiple degrees simultaneously!
22 Jul 2019 18:16:16
New Delhi, Jul. 22: UGC is working for the more proactive structure of higher education. Now, reflecting the feasibility of students pursuing multiple degrees simultaneously from the same or different universities.
UGC is also planning to give freedom of course schedule like via distance, online or part-time mode. A panel led by UGC vice-chairman Bhushan Patwardhan has been set up for this cause.
As per UGC’s official statement, “The panel was set up late last month and has already met once. Now consultations are being held with different stakeholders to explore the feasibility of the idea”.
Back in 2012, the commission had set up committees, and took up consultations for the same, before scrapping the idea. The committee was headed by then Hyderabad University VC, Furqan Qamar.
They recommended that students enrolled in a degree program under regular mode can pursue a maximum of one additional degree program simultaneously under either open or distant mode from the same or a different university.
As per UGC’s report, However, two-degree programs under regular mode may not be allowed simultaneously as it may create logistic, administrative and academic problems.
UGC official statement stated that the plan did not take off then as the commission sought suggestions of statutory councils in the report, responses of whom did not endorse the idea to allow students to pursue multiple degree programs at the same time.
However, the UGC is confident in the idea seven years later due to major technology change. “There are a vast majority of people who want to pursue specialized courses besides their regular degree programs,” the official statement said.
