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Have you ever wondered about pursuing two university degrees at the same time? If you have and are willing to do so, your wish has come true. The UGC (University Grants Permission) has released new guidelines under the New Education Policy, 2020, that allow students to pursue two university programmes simultaneously. This has been accepted by students from all over the country who wish to pursue two graduate programmes at the same time.
The students will be able to apply for the dual degree programme from the academic year 2022-23. You can pursue dual degrees from one university or two different universities, according to your own preference. You will be allowed to pursue a combination of two undergraduate degrees, two postgraduate degrees, one undergraduation course & one diploma course and so on. Also, you can apply for a postgraduate course along with an undergraduate course as well.
This programme for allowing dual degrees in India will prove to be a game-changer in the Indian education system, but there are some guidelines that need to be followed for pursuing dual degree programmes in India. In this article, the guidelines of the dual degree programme and the benefits of pursuing dual degrees have been mentioned.
Guidelines for Dual Degree Programme in India
Here are some of the top guidelines announced by the UGC for pursuing dual degrees in India:
- Diploma or degree obtained through online or distance learning mode must be pursued only from the institutions that have been recognised by the UGC, Statutory Council or the Govt. of India.
- Any student can opt for studying one programme in physical mode while the other in online or ODL mode. In addition, the student can opt to study both programmes in ODL or online mode as well.
- If a student wishes to pursue both courses in physical mode, the timing of the classes for both degrees must not overlap.
- Any academic programme can be pursued under the dual degree programme except for a PhD.
- The guidelines will come into effect upon notification by the UGC. If any student has pursued a dual degree programme before the official notification, they cannot claim any benefits of the scheme.
- The diplomas and degrees that come under these guidelines shall be governed as per the regulations of the UGC and any statutory authority wherever applicable.
Will All Universities Offer Dual Degree Programmes in India?
No. On the announcement of the official notification by the UGC, universities will be given the option to choose whether they wish to offer dual degrees or not. The eligibility criteria for getting admission to the courses and the availability of the option to choose dual degrees will depend on the respective institution.
If universities plan to implement the dual degree programme in their colleges, they will have to seek valid permissions from the statutory authority of the institutions. Without approval, universities are not allowed to offer dual degrees to students.
Can Degrees be Obtained From Different Streams?
Yes, you can choose dual degrees from two different streams. The degrees can be chosen on the basis of the interests of the student. Arts, Commerce, Science, and other disciplines will be covered under the scheme, and students can choose degrees from the streams of their choice.
The two-degree programme will be applicable only to courses that are lecture-based, such as undergraduate courses, postgraduate courses, and diploma courses. PhD is not included in the list.
What Will be the Attendance Criteria for the Dual Degree Programme?
The universities will be given the autonomy to decide the criteria for attendance if they choose to offer dual degree programmes to students. The criteria of attendance to allow students to appear for the exams and the management of both degrees will be decided by the respective universities. The rules regarding attendance will be declared by the universities during the implementation of the programme.
Benefits of Studying Two Degrees Simultaneously
Here are some of the top benefits of opting for the dual degree programme:
- Expertise in two different subjects
Under a dual degree programme, you can choose to pursue two degrees in the same field or two entirely different fields. This will help you gain expertise in multiple fields, which will enhance your job prospects and also be helpful if you plan to pursue interdisciplinary research.
- Learning from two different institutions
The UGC has stated that you can pursue two degrees from one institution or two different institutions. If you study in two different institutions, you can gain learning experience. It will also allow you to seek knowledge from professors from different universities.
- Gaining a variety of skills
If you earn two degrees in two different domains, you will expand your skill set. In addition, you will imbibe skills and knowledge of different fields, which will help you seek better job opportunities and diversify your career goals.
- Alumni status from different institutions
Being an alumnus of two different institutions means multiple opportunities for networking. You will meet different people in different institutions who can help you gain lucrative employment opportunities and enable career growth.
- Enhanced career opportunities
With knowledge and skills from two different domains, you have enhanced career opportunities. If you do not find a suitable job in one domain, you can always highlight the other domain and get a job. Thus, with dual degrees, the chances of you getting better opportunities increase.
Conclusion
The UGC has fulfilled the dreams of students who wish to pursue two degrees simultaneously. After the implementation of the scheme, students will be able to acquire knowledge and skills in different domains, which will enhance their career prospects.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- What exactly is a dual degree and its advantages?
Under the dual degree programme announced by the UGC, students can pursue two degrees simultaneously. Except for PhD, this applies to other courses like UG degrees, PG degrees, and diploma courses. The advantages of a dual degree programme are enhanced career opportunities, a diversified skill set, and better opportunities for networking.
- Are dual degrees allowed in India?
Under the NEP 2020, the UGC has announced that dual degrees will be allowed in India, subject to certain rules and regulations.
- Is it wise to pursue a dual degree?
A dual degree can help you diversify your skillset, provide better career prospects, and networking opportunities. But dual degrees might not be right for everyone, so depending on your individual preference, you can choose whether you wish to pursue dual degrees or not.
