UGC chief Jagdish Kumar said that Indian universities and institutions of higher learning will henceforth be allowed to give admissions twice a year, just like foreign universities, with the permission of the University Grants Commission.

Admissions are now open in January/February and July/August giving more opportunities to students who missed the initial cycle due to delays in board results, health issues or personal reasons.

UGC Chairman Professor Mamidala Jagdish Kumar said that biannual admissions would reduce the waiting time for enrollment and increase motivation among students.

UGC INDIAJune 11, 2024

It allows industries to conduct campus recruitment twice a year, increasing the employability of graduates.

Earlier, UGC allowed two-year admissions through open and distance learning (ODL) and online methods, adding another 50 lakh students.

Encouraged by this success, the UGC extended this approach to regular mode programmes.

This change will connect Indian universities with global practices, and improve international collaboration and student exchange.

However, giving biennial admissions is not mandatory and HEIs should amend their rules in accordance with this policy.

Biennial admissions are expected to increase the gross enrollment ratio and contribute to making India a 'Global Study Destination' as envisioned in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.