Campus Times | Lucknow 

In a significant move aimed at expanding access to higher education, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved the launch of one-year postgraduate (PG) programmes through Online and Open & Distance Learning (ODL) mode. The decision aligns with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and is expected to benefit students seeking flexible learning options alongside work or other commitments.

The approval, however, is not universal. According to the UGCs latest guidelines, only those Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) that already have approval to offer the corresponding two-year PG programme in Online or ODL mode will be eligible to introduce the one-year version in the same discipline. Institutions without such prior recognition will not be permitted to roll out the new programme.

The eligibility criteria for students have also been clearly defined. Admission to the one-year postgraduate programme will be restricted to candidates who have completed a four-year bachelor degree with honours or an equivalent qualification, as envisaged under NEP 2020. Graduates with a conventional three-year bachelor degree will not be eligible for direct admission to these one-year PG courses.

UGC has also clarified that the new policy will not alter admission norms for professional programmes such as MBA, MCA and PGDM. These courses will continue to follow the eligibility criteria and regulatory framework prescribed by their respective statutory bodies.

Before introducing a one-year postgraduate programme, universities must obtain approval from their internal academic authorities, including the Board of Studies, Academic Council or any other competent academic body. The commission has emphasised that institutions must ensure compliance with all applicable UGC regulations before commencing admissions.

Further, the curriculum, credit structure, learning resources, examination system and evaluation process must adhere to the UGCs Online and ODL Regulations as well as the Postgraduate Curriculum and Credit Framework. The move is intended to ensure that students enrolled in flexible learning modes receive academic standards comparable to those in conventional programmes.

By extending the one-year postgraduate model to Online and ODL education, the UGC has taken another step towards implementing the vision of NEP 2020. The reform is expected to create greater opportunities for working professionals, learners in remote areas and students who are unable to pursue full-time campus-based education while maintaining the quality benchmarks of higher education.