UGC’s move to admit students twice a year: Infrastructure, designing academic sessions biggest challenges

Here’s a look at how academics see this move

Professor MM Ansari, former UGC member

The Commission did not have wider consultation with the colleges and the universities. Several forums exist where vice-chancellors or associations of universities meet. UGC did not consult any of them regarding the feasibility of admitting students twice a year or the preparedness of a university. It has also not identified what programmes could be offered bi-annually.

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The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) offers programmes in two terms, however, it does not offer technical and professional courses. The UGC, although, did mention that it is up to the universities whether or not to admit students in two terms, it has failed to answer in which course. Admitting students in technical and professional courses in two terms in a year, would mean, more manpower to accommodate them.

Students are happy that their year will not get wasted, but if due to administrative reasons which will be prominent, a university will not implement this process, students will start demanding. This is where we will fail again.

This decision of the UGC is, however, student-centric.

Dr Suryya Kumar Chetia, assistant professor, Assam Women’s University

The students who would have otherwise waited for one year to join an undergraduate programme would get an opportunity to join in the next six months, however, our infrastructure is not up to the mark to accommodate them. 

The UGC Chairman, while announcing the decision to allow biannual admissions, reiterated that half a million students were enrolled in the January session during the trials in ODL and online programmes. However, Indian universities particularly in the smaller towns and cities do not have the necessary infrastructure. The faculties here are already overburdened with the implementation of the Four-Year Undergraduate Programme (FYUP), the five-year integrated programme in addition to the three-year degree programmes. The diploma and certificate courses are also there.

It will largely depend on how the academic session will be prepared, but with the current administrative capacity, it is largely not at all feasible.

Dr Anunaya Chaubey, provost, Anant National University

The UGC’s policy on admissions twice a year is an example of an innovative address to the problem that many students have been facing. It is not unusual for a candidate to miss out on an educational opportunity for various reasons especially when admissions to an institution are carried out within a deadline only once a year. If an applicant fails to take admissions, they end up losing an entire year and are forced to wait for an opportunity that is available to them only the following year.

This step promises utilisation of time for the student for productive learning and self development which will eventually help the nation progress. It is a new initiative and will lead to objections, confusions and criticism and it would require further iterations and fine-tuning but it is a step in the right direction. 

Subhakar Alapati, founder director of Global Tree Overseas Education Consultants

We warmly welcome this move by the UGC as it provides a much-needed respite for students caught in the whirlwind of academia, where one course seamlessly merges into another, leaving little room for reflection or adjustment. Now, with biannual admissions, students have the time to pause, to prepare diligently, or to explore various career avenues without the fear of losing a whole year. This move offers them the flexibility to make informed choices about their academic and professional journey.

For instance, consider the scenario of NEET aspirants in India; if they don’t secure a seat, their entire year need not be forfeited. They can utilise this interim period to pursue a general course in some university of their choice after the NEET counselling process is over. This flexibility not only eases the burden of academic pursuits but also empowers students to carve their paths with confidence and clarity. This system is being followed by universities globally and in alignment with NEP 2020, it is a significant step towards nurturing a more holistic and empowered generation of learners.

However, while this move by the UGC is progressive, its implementation at this stage could be challenging. The shortage of trained faculty members in colleges, frequent syllabus changes, potential difficulties in inter-institutional collaboration, and occasional administrative shortcomings could pose obstacles. Addressing these concerns will be pivotal in ensuring a smooth transition to the biannual admission system and reaping its intended benefits.”

Akash Sharma, director of Admission and Outreach, Noida International University

Institutions will have to streamline their admission processes to accommodate the increased number of admissions while maintaining fairness, transparency, and efficiency. This may encourage the use of innovative technological solutions to facilitate smooth application processing, evaluation, and enrollment procedures.

Introducing biannual admissions raises important questions about academic standards and student performance. While some experts argue that increased intake may dilute the quality of education, proponents say that it promotes healthy competition and institutional dynamism. To maintain educational excellence, stringent monitoring mechanisms, and quality assurance frameworks are required.

Dual admissions policy provides a unique opportunity to address equity and access disparities in higher education. Universities can accommodate a wider range of students by diversifying admission timelines, including those from underprivileged backgrounds or non-traditional pathways. Proactive measures are required to reduce potential biases and ensure fair selection procedures.

Dr Prabina Rajib, director of BIMTECH Greater Noida

The dual admissions is a double-edged sword creating hurdles like twice-a-year entrance exams, bringing companies for job placement, and infrastructure and faculty requirements for universities. Yet, this policy is in favour of students and parents who can access education easily.

The two-cycle university admission decision will benefit students by increasing the gross enrolment ratio and conducting campus recruitment twice a year, resulting in more job opportunities for graduates and postgraduates. These alterations will benefit students from both rural and urban India students who missed the first round of admissions for UG, PG or and PhD due to reasons like health and financial issues, delayed results or personal limitations.

Alona Yadav, student of Multi-Media and Mass Communication, Indraprastha College For Women–Delhi University

This proposal by UGC sounds convenient for students who might miss the college entrance examination in one session. Through the dual systems of admission, students will not have to wait for the entire year to take admission. However, this may interfere with the normal admission cycles that the Indian universities have been following. Clear guidelines and tentative schedules should be released as to how this proposal will be implemented for the benefit of the students.

Sujatha Kshirsagar, president and chief business officer, Career Launcher

Some concerns need to be taken care of. For instance, universities must ensure that both cycles offer equal opportunities and maintain consistent quality standards to avoid creating a two-tiered system where one cycle is perceived as less prestigious or rigorous than the other. Proper implementation, including adequate funding and resource allocation, is essential to truly enhance equity and access through this policy.

Implementing dual admissions in higher education involves various legal and ethical considerations. Legally, universities must ensure compliance with educational regulations and accreditation standards, maintaining transparency and fairness in the admissions process for both cycles. This includes clear communication about admission criteria, deadlines, and available resources to prevent any form of discrimination or bias.

Ethically, the policy should promote inclusivity, offering equal opportunities to all applicants regardless of socioeconomic background. Universities must guard against potential inequities, such as unequal distribution of resources or differing standards between cycles, which could disadvantage certain groups of students. Additionally, the policy should consider the impact on faculty and staff workload, ensuring that their rights and well-being are protected.

Vindu, BCom (Hons) student at Indraprastha College For Women, Delhi University

On the good side, it gives a second chance to those who miss the first round, cutting down on waiting and keeping them involved in their studies. It might also help universities take in more students, which is great for popular courses with limited spots. It may also be a benefit for those who work and want to study part-time.

However, there’s a downside too. Students might feel extra pressure to always get ready for entrance exams, risking their health and burning out. Also, universities might struggle to handle all the extra students and resources with two admission cycles, leading to packed classrooms and less attention for each student. Plus, not all universities have the same resources, which could make things even more unequal. To keep things fair, we need to set up a clear schedule, share information about resources openly, and focus on giving a good education. Planning this out carefully is key to making the most of the twice-yearly admission system while avoiding the bad stuff.

(With inputs from Priyanshu Priya)