You can pursue two degrees simultaneously

Q. Due to the impossibly high cut-offs this year, I have taken admission in BA (Hons) history although my heart was set on pursuing psychology. Can you please tell me if there’s any way I can pursue a bachelor’s degree from another university along with my present course?

Sameera Rai

A. Oh yes you can…! To enhance the career prospects of many students like you, the UGC has approved a proposal to allow students to pursue two degree programmes simultaneously.

This is such a welcome move. For all practical purposes, even an engineering student can now pursue a degree in economics or any other subject for that matter. However, since a minimum attendance ow criterion is attached to regular degree programmes, the second degree must be via Open & Distance Learning (ODL) or Online mode.

So, you’re now free to pursue two degrees in different streams as well as from different institutions. Else, you can opt for pursuing both from the same institution, provided it offers multiple modes of learning.

The detailed guidelines will be notified shortly.

— The writer is Director, Career Guidance India (CARING)