The rise of flexible education has made most of the students and employed professionals in India curious about attaining further qualifications in support of their careers. One such question that usually pops into the minds of most people is whether it is possible to join two-degree programs in the same year in India.
Yes! It would be possible under certain important conditions.
UGC Guidelines for Dual Degrees
In 2022, the University Grants Commission (UGC) made it possible for students to pursue two degrees at the same time, without regard to mode of learning. So, now a student can opt for a combination of regular, online or distance learning programs.
Here are the key rules as per UGC:
1. Mode of Study
• Students may take admission into two full-time academic programmes in physical mode, provided that the timings do not clash.
• Alternatively, a student can pursue one full-time physical course and another through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) or any other online mode.
• Taking two online courses or ODLs at the same time is also permitted.
2. Institutional Recognition
• Both programmes must be offered by universities recognized by UGC or other statutory bodies.
3. Programme Levels
• The guidelines would apply to diploma, undergraduate, and post-graduate programmes.
• Ph.D. programmes are not covered under this provision for students pursuing doctoral studies as they are not permitted to pursue another degree simultaneously.
4. Scheduling
• The timing of classes concerning the two programmes should not clash so that the student can attend all of the sessions required.
• The examination dates for both of the programs should not clash.
So yes, if both your degrees are from UGC-recognized universities, you are allowed to pursue and complete both in the same year.
Examples of Online PG Degrees You Can Take Together
• A Master’s in Public Administration (distance or offline mode) along with a Master’s in Political Science (online or offline mode).
• A Bachelor’s in Computer Applications along with a Bachelor’s in Data Science (from different recognized institutions).
As long as both programs are from recognized institutions and don’t interfere with each other logistically, you are good to go.
So basically, yes you can legally and practically obtain two degrees in the same year in India. As per the UGC’s flexible education policies, students now have more opportunities to skill up and stay competitive in the job market. Just make sure to check the recognition status of the university and plan your time wisely.