CHENNAI: University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed universities to introduce one-year postgraduate programmes in distance and online modes for students who have completed four-year undergraduate programmes.
National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 offers provisions for a one-year master’s programme for learners who have successfully completed a four-year undergraduate programme. “Accordingly, higher educational institutions recognised by UGC to offer two-year master’s degree programmes through open and distance learning (ODL) and/or online mode may offer one-year master’s programme, which shall be in conformity with the provisions of NEP 2020 and other applicable UGC regulations and guidelines,” said a circular from UGC secretary Shyama Rath, dated July 24, to all universities.
“Admission to the programme shall be restricted to learners possessing the prescribed eligibility, subject to successful completion of a four-year UG programme,” the circular said.
The curriculum, learning resources, assessment, credit framework and all other academic requirements comply with the relevant UGC regulations and statutory norms.
“We have also received a circular from UGC. However, the state govt has to take a policy decision on implementing the one-year PG degree, as it requires students completing four-year UG degree, which is yet to be implemented in colleges under state universities in Tamil Nadu,” said an official from University of Madras.
Academicians urged the state govt to introduce four-year degrees without adopting NEP.
“Even if the state govt is opposed to NEP, it can introduce four-year UG degrees, as the Union govt is likely to come up with more measures encouraging the four-year degrees. As of now, the state universities may not be able to introduce one-year PG degree courses,” said P Duraisamy, former vice-chancellor of University of Madras.
Alagappa University former vice-chancellor S Subbiah called for exemption for Tamil Nadu students to study one-year PG courses till the implementation of the four-year degree programmes in the state. He said such one-year PG degree programmes are being offered by foreign universities.
