Undergraduate students in India will soon have the flexibility to shorten or extend the duration of their degree programmes, thanks to the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) new initiative. The UGC has approved Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the Accelerated Degree Programme (ADP) and the Extended Degree Programme (EDP), offering students customised learning timelines based on their capabilities.

Flexibility in Higher Education

According to UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar, the new programmes will allow students to either fast-track their degrees by earning additional credits per semester or spread their coursework over an extended timeline with fewer credits. The degrees will carry a note indicating their completion in a shortened or extended duration but will remain equivalent to standard-duration degrees for academic and recruitment purposes.

Speaking to Financial Express, the UGC chairman said, “From 2025 July-August session, the HEIs can start providing Accelerated Degree Programme (ADP) and the Extended Degree Programme (EDP) to students.”

Features of ADP and EDP

  1. Accelerated Degree Programme (ADP):
    • Students can complete a three-year or four-year undergraduate degree in a shorter time by taking on an increased credit load each semester.
    • Eligibility to opt for ADP will be determined by a committee at the end of the first or second semester.
    • Students must complete the same curriculum and total credits as the standard programme but in a reduced duration.
  2. Extended Degree Programme (EDP):
    • Students may extend their degree timelines by up to two semesters, allowing them to take fewer credits per semester.
    • The EDP provides flexibility for students with different learning paces or personal constraints.

Implementation Guidelines

  • Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) can reserve up to 10 per cent of their intake capacity for ADP students.
  • A committee at each HEI will evaluate and approve student applications for ADP and EDP.
  • Students opting for these programmes will earn the same total credits as their standard-duration counterparts.

Degree Recognition and Standards

The UGC has clarified that degrees earned under ADP or EDP will be treated on par with standard-duration degrees for academic and professional purposes. For ADP, the degree will specify that the student completed a four-year programme in six or seven semesters, depending on their choice.

This initiative reflects UGC’s commitment to fostering flexible, student-centric education. By introducing these options, the commission aims to cater to diverse learning needs and encourage efficient resource utilisation in higher education institutions.

The draft norms for ADP and EDP will soon be released for stakeholder feedback, paving the way for their implementation across Indian universities.