TN students in a fix over UGC’s new rules for UG/PG

TN students in a fix over UGC’s new rules for UG/PG

Ragu.Raman@timesofindia.com 07.12.2024

Chennai : Class XII students in Tamil Nadu, where there are no entrance exams for UG/PG courses, are unlikely to be able to take advantage of University Grants Commission’s flexibility of joining any UG degree next year. Academics say TN should continue with the present policy of UG admissions based on Class XII board exam marks, fearing the draft UGC (Minimum Standards of Instructions in the Award of UG and PG Degrees) Regulations 2024 released on Thursday may lead to a decline in quality of degrees and create confusion. 

The draft rules allow any Class XII student to pursue any UG degree after clearing anational level or university level entrance test. It also includes multiple entry and exits in degree programmes, accelerated and extended degrees, and twice-a-year admission, among others. UGC has given time until Dec 23 for all stakeholders to give their feedback on its website. The All India Save Education Committee wants the new rules withdrawn. “Higher educational institutions lack infrastructure, classrooms, and teachers. Whatever discipline there is in the higher education system would be shattered. We demand the immediate withdrawal of these new regulations,” said Biswajit Mitra, treasurer. 

Some fear allowing a student to pursue 50% skill-related courses in UG programmes will create graduates without any deep knowledge. “It will also take away the importance of the core subject,” said S Suresh, secretary of the Tamil Nadu Govt Collegiate Teachers’Association. Admission twice a year will create confusion. Others suggest a bridge course along with the entrance test. Madras Christian College principal Paul Wilson said arts group students keen on taking up science course need a foundational course. “An entrance test alone will not be able to fill the learning gap.” Sastra University vicechancellor S Vaidhyasubramaniam said that while draft regulations provide scope for learner flexibility and multidisciplinary options, the idea of allowing two degrees at the

same time will affect learning outcomes. Madras University Teachers Association General Secretary C Murugan said providing multiple exit options may encourage more dropouts rather than reentry. “Flexibility for students as a broad idea is welcome. However, framing the rules requires careful thought.”