The University Grants Commission (UGC) has approved a groundbreaking initiative allowing undergraduate students to complete their degrees at a pace that aligns with their individual needs. The newly introduced Accelerated Degree Programme (ADP) and Extended Degree Programme (EDP) aim to provide flexibility in higher education. These programmes enable students to either shorten their study duration or extend it beyond the standard three or four years, without compromising the validity of their degrees.
UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar shared that draft guidelines and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) have been finalized, and feedback will be invited from stakeholders soon. Through the ADP, students can complete their degrees faster by earning additional credits per semester. Conversely, the EDP allows students to spread their coursework over a longer period, taking fewer credits each semester. Despite the varied durations, the awarded degrees will be equivalent to standard-duration degrees for all academic and employment purposes.
To implement this, higher education institutions will allocate 10% of seats for ADP and establish committees to assess eligibility. Students must opt for ADP by the end of their second semester and start earning extra credits thereafter. EDP students, on the other hand, can extend their degree timeline by up to two semesters for standard three- or four-year programmes.
Both pathways ensure students complete the same credit requirements as standard programmes, with degrees noting the customized timeline but retaining equal value. This initiative reflects UGC’s commitment to providing students with more control over their academic journeys, promoting personalized education and flexibility in Indian higher education.
