New Delhi: Students completing a four-year bachelor's degree with Honours will soon have the option of pursuing one-year postgraduate programmes online or through distance learning.
The University Grants Commission (UGC) announced the move on July 28, aligning higher education with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
The revised guidelines replace an earlier notification issued on July 24. Only universities already recognised to run two-year PG courses in online or ODL mode can introduce the one-year version in the same subject. Institutions must also secure approvals from their academic bodies before launching the programme.
The new format will apply exclusively to Honours graduates. Professional courses such as MBA, MCA and PGDM will continue to follow rules set by their respective regulators.
The UGC has stressed that academic standards must remain uniform. Curriculum, credits, study material, teaching and assessment must comply with the UGC's Curriculum and Credit Framework and the 2020 ODL/online regulations.
Officials believe the decision will expand flexible learning opportunities without compromising quality, giving students faster access to advanced degrees while ensuring universities meet strict compliance norms.