Indian universities can now admit students twice a year ; know procedure
Universities and higher education institutions in India are now permitted to admit students twice a year, mirroring the admission process of universities abroad, as announced by University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Jagadesh Kumar.
Starting from the 2024-25 academic session, the two admission cycles will be held in July-August and January-February.
UGC Chairman Kumar on Tuesday said, “If Indian universities can offer admission twice a year, it will benefit many students. Such as those who missed admission to a university in the July/August session due to a delay in the announcement of board results, health issues, or personal reasons. Biannual university admissions will help students maintain motivation since they do not have to wait one full year to be admitted if they miss admission in the current cycle.”
Currently, UGC Regulations permit Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) in India to admit students once a year, starting in July/August. An academic session spans twelve months, beginning in July/August and concluding in May/June. However, in its 571st commission meeting on July 25, 2023, the UGC decided to allow biannual admissions under Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and Online modes in January and July within an academic year.
According to data from the UGC DEB portal, 19,73,056 students enrolled in ODL and online programs in July 2022, with an additional 4,28,854 students joining in January 2023. Due to the strong response and interest in biannual admissions for ODL and online programs, the UGC made a policy decision on May 15 to permit HEIs offering regular mode programs to admit students twice a year, either in January/February or July/August, starting from the upcoming academic year.
Institutions with adequate infrastructure and faculty can take advantage of this opportunity to admit students biannually. However, offering biannual admissions is not mandatory; it is an option provided by the UGC for HEIs looking to increase their student intake and introduce new programs in emerging fields. To implement biannual admissions, HEIs must amend their institutional regulations accordingly, as stated by the UGC chairman.
UGC Chairman Kumar said, "With biannual admissions in place, Industries can also do their campus recruitment twice a year, improving employment opportunities for the graduates."
Biannual admissions can substantially increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio and make India a 'Global Study Destination' as envisioned in National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, he said.
Kumar said that if HEIs adopt biannual admissions, they need to work on administrative intricacies, good planning for increased use of available resources, and providing seamless support systems for the smooth transition of students admitted at dissimilar times of the year.
- With inputs from agencies
