Indian Universities to Offer Biannual Admissions Starting 2024-25: UGC Chairman
Universities and higher education institutions in India will now have the flexibility to admit students twice a year, similar to the admission process followed by universities abroad, according to University Grants Commission (UGC) Chairman Jagadeesh Kumar. This new policy will commence from the 2024-25 academic session, with two admission cycles in July-August and January-February.
“If Indian universities can offer admission twice a year, it will benefit many students,” said UGC Chairman Kumar on Tuesday. “For instance, those who missed admission in the July-August session due to delayed board results, health issues, or personal reasons can now apply in January-February. This biannual admission process will help maintain student motivation as they won’t have to wait a full year if they miss a cycle.”
Currently, UGC regulations allow higher education institutions (HEIs) to admit students only once per academic year, beginning in July-August. An academic session spans twelve months, from July-August to May-June.
The UGC had previously decided during its 571st commission meeting on July 25, 2023, to permit biannual admissions for Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online modes starting January and July each year. In July 2022, 19,73,056 students enrolled, with an additional 4,28,854 joining in January 2023 through ODL and online programs.
Given the positive response and interest in ODL and online biannual admissions, the UGC, in its meeting on May 15 this year, made a policy decision to extend this option to regular mode programs. HEIs can now admit students twice a year, either in January-February or July-August, from the upcoming academic year.
Institutions that have the required infrastructure and teaching faculty can take advantage of this opportunity to increase student intake and offer new programs in emerging areas. Offering biannual admissions is not mandatory; it is a flexible option provided by the UGC for institutions seeking to expand their enrollment and program offerings. To implement this, HEIs must amend their institutional regulations accordingly.
“With biannual admissions in place, industries can also conduct campus recruitment twice a year, improving employment opportunities for graduates,” added Kumar. Biannual admissions will also help HEIs plan their resources, such as faculty, labs, classrooms, and support services, more efficiently, leading to better functional flow within the university.
Kumar noted that universities worldwide already follow a biannual admission system. If Indian institutions adopt this cycle, it could enhance their international collaborations and student exchanges, improving global competitiveness and aligning with global educational standards.
Biannual admissions can significantly increase the Gross Enrolment Ratio and help India become a ‘Global Study Destination,’ as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020. Kumar emphasized that HEIs adopting biannual admissions need to address administrative intricacies, plan for the efficient use of resources, and provide seamless support systems for students admitted at different times of the year.
“HEIs can maximize the benefits of biannual admissions only if they adequately prepare faculty members, staff, and students for the transition,” Kumar concluded.
