Understand when a student can pursue two degrees or academic programmes at the same time in India.
Yes. The University Grants Commission has issued guidelines permitting students to pursue two academic programmes simultaneously under specified conditions.
The guidelines are intended to provide greater flexibility and multidisciplinary learning opportunities in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.
Depending on the study mode, students may pursue two physical programmes, one physical programme together with an ODL/Online programme, or up to two ODL/Online programmes simultaneously, subject to the conditions prescribed in the UGC guidelines.
A student may pursue two full-time academic programmes in physical mode simultaneously.
Condition: Class timings of one programme must not overlap with the class timings of the other programme.
A student may pursue one full-time programme in physical mode and another programme through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) or Online mode.
The ODL/Online programme and institution must satisfy applicable recognition requirements.
A student may pursue up to two academic programmes simultaneously through ODL/Online mode.
Recognition of the concerned HEI and programme should be verified before admission.
| Combination | Permitted? | Important Condition |
|---|---|---|
| Regular + Regular | Yes | Class timings of the two physical programmes must not overlap. |
| Regular + ODL | Yes | ODL programme must meet applicable recognition requirements. |
| Regular + Online | Yes | Online programme must meet applicable recognition requirements. |
| ODL + ODL | Yes | Up to two ODL/Online programmes may be pursued simultaneously. |
| Online + Online | Yes | The concerned HEIs/programmes must satisfy applicable recognition rules. |
| ODL + Online | Yes | Both programmes must comply with applicable UGC and regulatory requirements. |
| Ph.D. + another programme under these guidelines | No under these guidelines | The UGC simultaneous-programme guidelines specifically exclude Ph.D. programmes. |
According to the UGC guidelines, a student can pursue two full-time academic programmes in physical mode at the same time provided the class timings of one programme do not overlap with the class timings of the other.
Permission to pursue two physical programmes does not mean that attendance, examinations, practical requirements or other academic obligations can be ignored. Students must be able to meet the requirements prescribed by the concerned institutions.
A student can pursue one full-time programme in physical mode and another academic programme through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) or Online mode simultaneously.
This option can be particularly relevant to students who want to add another field of study while continuing their principal campus-based programme.
Yes. The UGC guidelines permit a student to pursue up to two ODL/Online academic programmes simultaneously, subject to applicable recognition and regulatory requirements.
Degree or diploma programmes pursued through ODL/Online mode under these guidelines should be undertaken only with Higher Educational Institutions recognised by UGC, the applicable statutory council or Government of India for running such programmes.
Students should verify the current recognition and programme status for the relevant academic session before taking admission.
Permission to pursue two academic programmes simultaneously does not override the rules applicable to a particular profession or programme. Degree or diploma programmes remain subject to UGC regulations and the regulations of the respective statutory or professional councils wherever applicable.
The UGC Guidelines for Pursuing Two Academic Programmes Simultaneously specifically state that these guidelines apply to academic programmes other than Ph.D. programmes.
In 2025, UGC approved a modification to point 5 of the guidelines. The modification provides for the validity of certain two academic programmes that were pursued simultaneously before issuance of the guidelines, provided they were pursued in accordance with the applicable UGC First Degree and Master Degree Regulations, statutes or ordinances of the concerned university or universities, and the norms of the applicable statutory professional council and Distance Education Council / Distance Education Bureau wherever relevant.
Students with older simultaneous qualifications should not assume automatic validity. The previous programmes need to satisfy the conditions described in the modified UGC guideline and the rules that applied to the concerned institutions and programmes.
Based on the UGC guidelines, universities may devise mechanisms through their statutory bodies for allowing students to pursue two academic programmes simultaneously.
Therefore, students should also check the regulations, ordinances, attendance requirements, examination schedules and administrative procedures of both institutions before enrolling in two programmes.
Verify the status of the concerned university or Higher Educational Institution.
Check whether the particular programme and study mode are permitted for the relevant academic session.
For two physical programmes, ensure that class timings do not overlap.
Check whether you can fulfil attendance, practical, laboratory and academic requirements of both programmes.
Professionally regulated programmes may have additional requirements that must also be followed.
Check the statutes, ordinances and implementation rules of the concerned institutions.
The following are general illustrations of how the UGC framework may operate. Actual eligibility and programme availability must still be verified with the concerned institutions.
A student enrolled in a physical programme may also explore an eligible recognised Online programme simultaneously, subject to applicable regulations.
A student may combine an eligible physical programme with an eligible ODL programme where the applicable requirements are satisfied.
Up to two eligible Online/ODL programmes may be pursued simultaneously under the framework.
Two physical programmes may be pursued when their class timings do not overlap and institutional requirements can be fulfilled.
Yes. UGC guidelines allow students to pursue two academic programmes simultaneously under specified combinations and conditions.
Two full-time programmes in physical mode may be pursued simultaneously provided their class timings do not overlap.
Yes. The guidelines permit one full-time physical programme together with another ODL/Online programme, subject to applicable recognition and institutional requirements.
Yes, subject to the recognition of the concerned HEI and programme and other applicable regulations.
The guidelines permit up to two ODL/Online academic programmes simultaneously, subject to applicable recognition requirements.
Up to two ODL/Online programmes may be pursued simultaneously where the concerned HEIs and programmes satisfy applicable requirements.
No. The UGC simultaneous academic programme guidelines specifically exclude Ph.D. programmes.
The 2025 modification provides that certain earlier simultaneous programmes may be treated as valid where they complied with the applicable regulations, university statutes or ordinances and relevant professional or distance-education norms.
Universities may devise mechanisms through their statutory bodies to implement the UGC framework. Students should therefore verify the concerned institution's current rules.
This page is intended to explain the UGC framework in simplified language and should not be treated as a substitute for the official UGC notification or the regulations of the concerned university, statutory council or professional council. Students should verify current official requirements before taking simultaneous admissions.
Aastha Institute can help you understand study-mode options and admission requirements before you choose two academic programmes.
WHATSAPP US CALL +91 8929924587