Explained: The Dual Degree Dilemma

The notification from Delhi University allowing students to pursue two degrees simultaneously has ignited controversy. The education fraternity appears to be of contrasting view on the development. A section finds the initiative of dual-degree to be an opportunity for learning new skills and comprehensive development; conversely, others worry that this development can lead to surge in academic pressure and workload.

Allowing the students to pursue two degrees at a time, the versity had said that one degree can be pursued in physical mode from the campus while for the other, students will have to enroll for distance or online mode of learning from School of Open Learning on the campus of Open Learning, Delhi University.

However, students cannot enroll in two similar programs. For instance, if a student is enrolling in B Com(honors), he or she will not be able to opt for B Com(gen), highlighting the objective of providing comprehensive knowledge under the program.

What Is Two-Degree Theory

Indicated by the name itself, the two degree program facilitates students to study subjects of two fields at a time, basically pursuing graduation in two subjects like Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science simultaneously. For dual degree programs, students can select either a single institution or two distinct institutions.

The dual-degree also allows students to accelerate from graduation to post graduation, opening door to a wide range of opportunities.

New Education Policy On Dual-Degree Program

With the objective of multi-disciplinarity and holistic education across science, social science, arts, and technology among others for holistic world, NEP 2020 allowed students to pursue two degree simultaneously.

Earlier, students could apply for and pursue two degrees at a time; however, they had to complete at least one course through distance or online learning.

Alternatively the guideline released by University Grant Commission in April, 2022 has made it easy for students to pursue two degrees with more flexibility and better combination of modes and courses.

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The first point of the guideline from UGC says students can pursue both the degree from physical mode, given that timing for one class should not overlap or clash with the other.

Moreover, students can choose to pursue both the program from online and distance learning or one from Physical and one through online/distance learning.

How & Where You Can Pursue The Program

Students can pursue one graduation level and the other post graduation level. Both the programs can be of same level but not similar subjects. The guideline released in April 2022 is applicable for students pursuing academic programmes other than Phd.

UGC makes it clear that the degree or diploma programmes under Distance/Online mode shall be pursued with only such higher education institutes which are recognized by UGC/Statutory Council/Govt of India for running such programmes.

Expert Perspective

Talking to a media outlet, Abha Dev Habib, a professor at Miranda House, said that allowing students to pursue two degrees at a time might cause students with their focus and they will end-up treating degrees as mere certificates to collect rather than an opportunity to gather knowledge.

In contrast, a DU principal views the development as a positive step that will help students to compete with global standards. She further says, the change can particularly be beneficial for students who are doubtful about their career path.