Indian universities and higher education institutions can now admit students twice yearly, following the University Grants Commission’s (UGC) approval. UGC chief Jagadesh Kumar announced that this move aims to enhance global competitiveness and align Indian education with international standards.
Since the 2024–25 academic session, universities will have two admission cycles: July–August and January–February. “If Indian universities can offer admission twice a year, it will benefit many students, such as those who missed admission to a university in the July-August session due to a delay in the announcement of board results, health issues, or personal reasons,” Mr. Kumar told PTI.
Multiple Advantages
“Biannual university admissions will help students maintain motivation since they do not have to wait one full year to be admitted if they miss admission in the current cycle. With biannual admissions in place, industries can also do their campus recruitment twice a year, improving employment opportunities for the graduates,” he added. Kumar noted that biannual admissions will allow higher education institutions (HEIs) to better plan resource distribution, including faculty, labs, classrooms, and support services, leading to more efficient operations within the university.
“Universities worldwide already follow a biannual admission system. If Indian HEIs adopt the biannual admission cycle, our HEIs can enhance their international collaborations and student exchanges. As a result, our global competitiveness will improve, and we will align with global educational standards,” Mr. Kumar said. “If HEIs adopt biannual admissions, they need to work on administrative intricacies, good planning for increased use of available resources, and providing seamless support systems for the smooth transition of students admitted at dissimilar times of the year. HEIs can maximize the usefulness of biannual admissions only when they sufficiently prepare faculty members, staff, and students for the transition,” he added.
Optional Implementation
Mr. Kumar clarified that biannual admissions will not be mandatory. Institutions with the necessary infrastructure and faculty can take advantage of this opportunity. “Offering biannual admissions will not be mandatory for the HEIs; it is the flexibility that UGC provides to the HEIs that want to increase their student intake and offer new programs in emerging areas. To be able to admit students twice a year, HEIs must make suitable amendments to their institutional regulations,” he said.
