The University Grants Commission (UGC) recommends a one-year postgraduate program, offering students the freedom to choose the subject of their preference.

Nov 17 2023 by Manpreet Kaur

Print Friendly, PDF & Email

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced a preliminary curriculum and credit framework for postgraduate programs, proposing a one-year duration for these programs.

The official UGC letter mentioned, “The National Education Policy 2020 advocates diverse structures for master’s programs with entry and exit options and a stronger focus on research. In alignment with this policy, the UGC has developed draft Guidelines on Curriculum and Credit Framework for Postgraduate programs.”

According to the proposed regulations, students who have completed a four-year bachelor’s program with honors or honors with research could opt for a one-year master’s program. Alternatively, they might consider an integrated five-year bachelor’s/master’s program.

The UGC has proposed flexibility for students to transition between different fields of study. Additionally, it recommends that students who complete their undergraduate degree with a double major can choose either of the two subjects they specialized in. Similarly, those who complete their undergraduate degree with a major and minor(s) will have the flexibility to opt for either the major or the minor(s) subject in their master’s program.

Furthermore, students will have the liberty to select courses based on their interests and the flexibility to transition between various learning modes, including offline, Open and Distance Learning (ODL), online learning, and hybrid learning. The credit requirements and eligibility criteria proposed for the master’s program are as follows:

  • For a 1-year/2-semester master’s program at level 6.5 on the NHEQF, a bachelor’s degree with Honours/Honours with Research with a minimum of 160 credits is required.
  • For a 2-year/4-semester master’s program at level 6.5 on the NHEQF, a 3-year/6-semester bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 120 credits is necessary.
  • For a 2-year/4-semester master’s program (e.g. M.E., M. Tech. etc.) at level 7 of NHEQF, a 4-year Bachelor’s degree (e.g. B.E., B.Tech. etc.) with a minimum of 160 credits is mandated.

According to the preliminary curriculum, a Postgraduate Diploma (level 6) will consist of 40 credits and 240 credit points. A 1-Year Postgraduate program following a 4-year Undergraduate degree (level 6.5) will include 40 credits and 260 credit points. The 2-Year Postgraduate program after a 3-year Undergraduate degree (level 6.5) will encompass 40+40 credits and 260 credit points. Similarly, the 2-Year Postgraduate program following a 4-year Undergraduate degree like B.E., B.Tech., etc. (level 7) will involve 40+40 credits and 280 credit points.