UGC allows universities to offer one-year PG courses in distance and online mode

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed universities to introduce one-year postgraduate programmes in distance and online modes for students. To apply for the one-year PG programme, students must have passed a four-year bachelor's degree.

Under the NEP 2020, students are allowed to opt for one-year PG courses subject to the applicable academic framework and UGC guidelines.

“Accordingly, HEIs already recognised or entitled by the UGC to offer a two-year postgraduate programme through ODL or online mode may offer a one-year postgraduate programme in the same discipline,” the UGC notice said.

Notably, the University of Delhi (UoH) offers 46 one-year PG courses, including MSc in biochemistry, an MCom, an MA in Arabic, or Bengali. Recently, the university formed a six-member panel to review proposals for more seats in one-year PG programmes and submit the report within 10 days.

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Entry-level criteria

According to the UGC notice, the eligibility criteria for programmes like MBA and MCA must adhere strictly to the rules set by designated regulatory bodies. The curriculum, learning resources, assessment, credit framework, and all other academic requirements must also comply with the relevant UGC Regulations and statutory norms.

However, universities can only offer a one-year PG programme through the ODL or online mode if the corresponding 2-year PG programme in ODL and online mode has already been recognized or entitled by the UGC for the HEI.

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One-year programmes aligned with NEP

As per the Times of India report, several university officials from across Tamil Nadu also pointed out that four-year BA degree programmes are yet to be introduced in a few universities.

An official from the University of Madras said: “We have also received a circular from UGC. However, the state government has to take a policy decision on implementing the one-year PG degree, as it requires students completing a four-year UG degree, which is yet to be implemented in colleges under state universities in Tamil Nadu.”

P Duraisamy, the former vice-chancellor of Madras University said: “Even if the state govt is opposed to NEP, it can introduce four-year UG degrees, as the Union government is likely to come up with more measures encouraging the four-year degrees. As of now, the state universities may not be able to introduce one-year PG degree courses.”

Additionally, former Alagappa University vice-chancellor S Subbiah urged the government to grant Tamil Nadu students an exemption to pursue one-year postgraduate programmes until the state's four-year undergraduate degree system is fully implemented. He noted that several foreign universities already offer one-year PG programmes.