UGC Fixes Two Years for Clearing Degree Level Back

<p>Nodal higher education authority University Grants Commission (UGC) has come out with new guidelines to determine a uniform time period for completion of any higher education course. Under this, students will now get an extra two years to complete their course beyond its normal duration and qualify for a degree.

A third chance, however, will be given to a student in an &ldquo;exceptional case&rdquo; only.

&ldquo;The commission has observed that universities across the country adopt varying span periods within which a student may be allowed to complete a programme&hellip; In order to evolve a uniform policy, the commission had constituted an expert committee to consider this issue,&rdquo; states the circular issued by the UGC.

&ldquo;Ordinarily, no student should be given time beyond the extended period of two years. However, in exceptional circumstances and on the basis of the merits of each case university may allow a student one more year for completion of the programme,&rdquo; the UGC told universities
While directing vice chancellors and heads of all higher educational institutions to implement its guidelines UGC said &ldquo;During the extended period, a student will be considered as a private candidate. They will also not be eligible for ranking.&rdquo;

The new guidelines are based on the recommendations of an expert committee. The guidelines will be applicable to all undergraduate and post graduate programmes, a UGC official said.
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