UGC’s New Policy: From single to dual admission cycle; know its benefits for Indian university students

UGCThe University Grants Commission (UGC) made a landmark decision to allow universities and higher education institutions in India to offer admissions twice a year. This new system, which aligns with practices in many foreign universities, will be implemented from the 2024-25 academic session. With this change, Indian students will have the opportunity to apply to colleges during two distinct admission cycles: July-August and January-February.

At present, Indian universities and colleges have one admission period each year, starting in July-August and ending in May-June. UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar spoke to the media about the advantages of a new system where admissions will happen twice a year. He said that if universities can offer admissions in both July-August and January-February, it will be beneficial for numerous students. This includes those who miss the July-August admissions due to late board exam results, health problems, or personal reasons.

Kumar emphasized that adopting a biannual admission system could greatly improve international collaborations and student exchange programs. By aligning the admission cycles with those of universities worldwide, Indian institutions can more easily establish partnerships and participate in global academic networks. This will also help in smoother transitions for students who are moving between institutions in different countries, thereby enhancing their educational experience as well as exposure. Additionally, increased international collaboration can lead to joint research projects, faculty exchanges, and a richer academic environment overall.

Kumar also noted that many universities around the globe already implement a biannual admission system, and it has proven to be highly effective. This system not only offers more flexibility for students but also allows universities to manage their resources more efficiently throughout the year. By adopting this approach, Indian institutions can keep pace with international educational trends. This will help in being more competitive on the global stage and help Indian universities to attract more international students, improve their global rankings, and ultimately raise the standard of education offered.

However, the shift to biannual admissions will depend on each university’s resources and readiness. UGC Chairman Jagadesh Kumar emphasized that only institutions with the necessary infrastructure and capability should adopt this system. He pointed out that for biannual admissions to be effective, universities must adequately prepare their faculty, staff, and students for the changes. This means ensuring that all logistical and academic aspects are aligned to handle admissions and classes twice a year without compromising the quality of education.

Notably, the UGC has not made biannual admissions mandatory. Higher education institutions (HEIs) can continue with their current single admission cycle if they prefer. Kumar highlighted that implementing biannual admissions involves detailed planning and administrative adjustments. This includes creating systems to support students who enroll at different times of the year and ensuring that all university operations can smoothly accommodate two admission cycles. This careful preparation is crucial for making the new system work effectively and benefiting both students and institutions.

Interestingly, the concept of biannual admissions is not entirely new in India. Last year, UGC allowed open and distance learning (ODL) and online modes to have biannual admissions in January and July. This policy resulted in a significant increase in enrollments, with 19,73,056 students joining in the regular July cycle and an additional 4,28,854 students in the January 2023 cycle, marking a 22 per cent increase in admissions. However, despite the evident benefits, the UGC’s recent announcement has sparked mixed reactions from universities.

Concerns have been raised, particularly by institutions such as Delhi University, regarding the adaptability of the current academic structure to accommodate biannual admissions. Officials have highlighted issues like the reliance on the Common University Entrance Test (CUET), typically conducted in May, and the absence of clear guidelines on whether the January admissions would follow the same entrance exam procedures as the primary cycle. These uncertainties underscore the need for further clarification and careful consideration as universities navigate the transition towards biannual admissions.

Balvinder Shukla, the Vice Chancellor of Amity University, expressed approval of the UGC’s decision to introduce biannual admission cycles but also acknowledged the potential challenges associated with this change. Shukla highlighted concerns regarding the availability of necessary infrastructure and the alignment of academic sessions with school schedules. Additionally, he pointed out the likelihood of lower application numbers during the January admission cycle.

Experts agree that the new system of having two admission times each year is a good step, matching with what the National Education Policy wants. But for it to work well, universities need to plan carefully and get ready. They need to handle the administrative details well and use their resources wisely during this change. This new way of doing things will make Indian education more similar to what’s happening internationally, giving students more chances and making things more flexible.

Overall, experts think this change is a good thing, but it will only work if universities put in a lot of effort to make it successful and improve education in India.While the biannual admission system holds immense potential, its effective implementation requires thorough planning and adequate resources at the university level. Institutions must meticulously strategize to manage administrative intricacies and ensure a seamless transition for students admitted at different times of the year.

Furthermore, embracing this new system demands a shift in mindset and operational procedures, necessitating commitment and flexibility from university administrations. Only with careful planning and concerted efforts can Indian universities fully leverage the benefits of biannual admissions, enhancing both student experiences and the nation’s standing in the global education arena.