UGC Initiates Biannual Admissions to Enhance Flexibility & Accessibility

Interview

Recently, the University Grants Commission (UGC) issued a significant directive allowing universities and colleges to transition from the traditional annual admission cycle to biannual admissions. This policy shift has sparked discussions regarding its potential implications, particularly concerning its benefits for international as well as domestic students, and strategies aimed at elevating the global rankings of Indian universities. Senior journalist Shri Umesh Chaturvedi engaged in an insightful conversation with UGC Chairman Shri M. Jagadesh Kumar, exploring these crucial topics for Employment News. Here are the key highlights from their conversation:

Q: For the first time in India, the University Grants Commission has authorised biannual admissions in universities and colleges. What potential benefits could this new scheme offer, and how long might its implementation take?

A: Currently, universities in our country conduct admissions only once a year, during the months of July and August. If a student misses this window, they have to wait an entire year, wasting valuable time. To address this, we decided that all universities can admit students twice a year. This means admissions can take place first in July-August and then again in January-February. However, a key question arises: which institutions are eligible to implement this? We clarified that only those universities or colleges with adequate facilities–such as classrooms, teaching laboratories, and faculty–can offer biannual admissions. Given that universities need to evaluate their infrastructure, it is likely that some institutions may begin the biannual admission process within the next two years. Universities must prepare for this transition and obtain approval from their governing bodies, such as the Academic Council and Executive Council. Although this change will not occur within the next six months, some universities may start implementing it as early as next year. With our permission, universities have the flexibility to initially offer biannual admissions for one or two courses, serving as a trial period. This will allow them to identify and address any challenges before expanding the process. Ultimately, each university will determine the number of courses for which they can offer biannual admissions, enabling them to proceed at their own pace and convenience.

Q: Besides India, which other countries have adopted a similar process?

A: This practice of biannual admissions is adopted in other countries as well. Foreign students seeking admissions in India can also benefit from this system, particularly during the January-February session. Similarly, Indian students aspiring to study abroad will also find this beneficial. Implementing biannual admissions can also contribute to increasing the Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) in higher education. Globally, GER typically applies to students aged 18 to 23 years and represents the percentage enrolled in higher education within this age group. Currently, India's GER in higher education stands at 29 percent, and our goal is to raise it to 50 percent. By promoting biannual admissions, universities are encouraged to expand their capacity, including through off-campus facilities, to accommodate more students, thereby enhancing GER in higher education.

Q: What are your views on off-campus facilities? Has the UGC taken this perspective into account?

A: A university has two primary objectives: providing education to students and fostering research. While maintaining educational standards up to the graduate and post-graduate levels is feasible, sustaining high-quality research poses challenges that require adequate resources, research equipment, and a conducive environment. Enhancing the skills of our students is also a priority; currently, approximately 4.3 crore students are enrolled in higher education, with about 79 percent pursuing undergraduate degrees like B.A. and B.Sc. However, the job prospects for these graduates remain a concern. To address this, we are developing vocational and technical education programmes integrated into degree curricula, which can be implemented in off-campus facilities. This initiative aims to reduce un-employment by aligning education with industry needs. We encourage universities to expand student enrollment and offer skill-oriented degree courses, facilitated by the biannual admission process. Furthermore, our goal is to bridge the gap between academic interests and career readiness, ensuring that students remain engaged while acquiring practical skills for employment.

Q: With biannual admissions, universities and colleges will need to expand their infrastructure, including classrooms, faculty recruitment, and laboratory facilities. What preparations is the University Grants Commission undertaking for this?

A: Are our universities and colleges utilising their classrooms and facilities to their full capacity? Is academic activity ongoing throughout the year? Currently, many universities and colleges close by five o'clock. With increased students enrolment, evening classes could be utilised effectively. Laboratories could also operate in the evenings. We have advised institutions to maximise the use of existing facilities initially, and if there are shortages, arrangements should be made accordingly.

Q: In your opinion, how effective has the new education policy been in fostering a curriculum focused on skill development?

A: Such a perspective was not feasible before the New Education Policy 2020. With the introduction of this policy and the implementation of the National Credit Framework, we have urged universities to move away from single-discipline curricula towards multidisciplinary approaches. Why should a student studying economics be confined to economics alone for three or four years? If they have interests in physics, music, or literature, courses should be designed to accommodate these diverse interests. We are encouraging universities to adopt this approach.

Q: Students are curious whether, with biannual admissions, examinations will also be conducted twice a year.

A: Certainly. For those enrolled in July-August, the academic year will conclude in May-June, while for those enrolling in January-February, it will end in November-December. Examinations will be scheduled accordingly, and degrees awarded in a similar manner. This change will provide students with more opportunities for employment, as placements will also be conducted twice annually. Currently, students have only one opportunity for placement following their May-June exams. With biannual admissions, this opportunity will be doubled.

Q: You mentioned the advantages of biannual admissions for foreign students and those pursuing studies abroad. Could you elaborate on how this will be implemented?

A: We have established a National Credit Framework and are introducing an Academic Credit Bank for students. This means that if a student completes a course and later decides to study abroad or pursue other endeavours, their academic credits will be stored in the Credit Bank. Upon their return after a few years, they will be admitted to the next class or course based on their accumulated credits. Similarly, when foreign students come to study in India, we will assess their academic level using our credit framework. Based on their credits, they will be admitted to the appropriate level of study here. This system will benefit both international and Indian students alike.

Q: You have extensive experience as a technical education expert, research director, university administrator, and now you oversee universities. Currently, only IITs typically feature prominently in global university rankings, while other universities from India are less represented. Is the UGC implementing strategies to address this disparity and enhance the standing of Indian universities?

A: Traditionally, only IITs have dominated global university rankings, but this trend is gradually changing. If you look at this year's rankings, universities from India–including deemed universities, private universities, and central universities–are making notable appearances. This indicates a positive shift in the land-scape. Factors contributing to this improvement include heightened awareness about education and enhanced research environments within our universities. The increase in citations of our research papers and acceptance of our research findings reflects these advancements. UGC has played a pivotal role in this transformation. Within the past year, we have mandated every university to establish a Research and Development (R&D) cell. As a result of this directive, approximately eight hundred universities have established such cells. The primary aim is to train young professors in writing successful project proposals, managing research grants effectively, and promoting applied research that leads to practical outcomes. Additionally, UGC has conducted specialised training programmes for universities in these areas. It is our expectation that these initiatives will enable more Indian universities to achieve higher positions in global rankings within the next two to three years.

Q: Recently, there have been accusations of paper leaks in several entrance exams. Previously, UGC conducted the NET-JRF exams itself. Now, the National Testing Agency oversees two UGC entrance exams: CUET (Common University Entrance Test) and NET-JRF. As a regulatory body, what measures is UGC planning to implement for these exams to ensure their integrity and uphold public trust?

A: Just a few years ago, the number of candidates appearing for exams of this caliber was significantly lower, but now 19 lakh candidates are taking the CUET and 7.5 lakh are taking the CUET PG. Currently, 24 lakh students are appearing for the NEET exam. As we aim to increase the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER), these numbers could rise to 40, 50, or even 60 lakhs. Organising exams on such a large scale is challenging. This is why the National Testing Agency (NTA) was established in 2017. Last year alone, NTA conducted exams for 1 crore 30 lakh candidates, a record globally. While there have been instances of irregularities in some exams, cancellations were made to safeguard the future of deserving candidates and to maintain trust in the examination process. Moving forward, NTA remains essential to conducting exams fairly and transparently for the increasing number of candidates. Given the significant disparity between educational demand and supply in our country, competition is intense. Therefore, our admission processes must be impartial and objective, ensuring equal opportunities for all, regardless of their background or location. UGC is actively working to strengthen the examination system by addressing any existing issues.

Q: Do you have any message for students and academicians?

A: My advice to students is to remain focused on their objectives and not to deviate due to distractions. They should set clear goals for themselves. Observing successful individuals– whether in research, academics, or politics–reveals their dedication to hard work in achieving their aspirations. Even setbacks along the way provide valuable learning experiences that propel them forward. Embrace challenges and failures without fear, maintain steadfast determination, and remain committed to your ambitions. With perseverance and a steadfast focus on your goals, success will undoubtedly follow in your journey.

(The interviewer is a senior journalist.

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Views expressed are personal.