The Reasons Behind the University's Decision to Offer Biannual Admissions

In a major shift from traditional annual admissions, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has introduced a policy allowing universities to admit students twice a year, specifically in July/August and January/February. This move aims to provide universities with the flexibility to decide their admission cycles based on their available infrastructure and faculty. However, adopting this new system is optional for universities.

Existing Framework and Future Modifications
Students are normally admitted once a year, beginning in July or August. Under the UGC's recent ruling, universities are now able to hold admissions for undergraduate, postgraduate, and PhD programs in two cycles: one in July/August and another in January/February. This method is similar to certain international universities' biannual admission cycles (autumn and spring intakes), as those of US universities.

Justification And Advantages
Biannual admissions were previously used by the UGC for online, remote learning, and open programs. Almost half a million students were able to enroll in degree programs without having to wait a full year because to this reform. According to UGC Chairman M Jagadesh Kumar, students who are unable to enroll in July or August for personal reasons, health reasons, or delays in receiving board exam results may benefit from this new method. Instead of having to wait a whole year to reapply, these students can do so in January or February thanks to the biennial admission procedure.