UGC asks universities to speed up implementation of NEP reforms in undergraduate courses

The University Grants Commission has asked universities and colleges across the country to accelerate the implementation of undergraduate reforms proposed under the National Education Policy, including the four year degree structure and flexible entry and exit options.

In a recent communication to higher education institutions, the commission said universities should ensure that the revised undergraduate framework is implemented effectively from the upcoming academic sessions. Institutions have been advised to align their curriculum, credit structure and assessment patterns with the new policy guidelines.

The reforms under the NEP propose a four year undergraduate programme with multiple exit options. Students will be eligible to receive a certificate after completing one year, a diploma after two years and a degree after three years, while those completing four years can graduate with a research component.

The UGC has also encouraged universities to expand multidisciplinary courses and provide greater academic flexibility through the Academic Bank of Credits system. The system allows students to accumulate and transfer academic credits across recognised institutions.

Officials said the changes are intended to make higher education more flexible and interdisciplinary while improving research orientation at the undergraduate level. Universities have been asked to submit progress reports on the adoption of the reforms and ensure that students are informed about the new academic options available to them.