UGC Releases Draft Guidelines on Multiple Entry and Exit in Higher Education, Seeks Public Feedback by July 30

The concept of Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit allows students greater flexibility in how they pursue their higher education.

The University Grants Commission (UGC) has issued a public notice inviting feedback on its Draft Guidelines for Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit (ME-ME) in academic programmes offered by Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across India.

This reform aligns with the broader vision of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which advocates for flexible academic pathways, lifelong learning opportunities, and student mobility across disciplines and institutions.

What Is ME-ME and Why It Matters?

The UGC Notice reads: “ME-ME ensures students who exit can earn a certificate after completing I year in a discipline or field including vocational and professional areas, or a diploma after 2 years of study, or a Bachelor's degree after a 3-year programme with no academic loss and also with the provision to re-enter the academic programme to upgrade qualification.

The concept of Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit allows students greater flexibility in how they pursue their higher education. Under the proposed framework, students can:

Exit after one year with a Certificate in their field of study, including vocational and professional programmes.

Exit after two years with a Diploma.

Exit after three years with a Bachelor’s degree.

Re-enter the programme at a later stage to upgrade their qualifications without losing academic credits or having to restart.

This system is designed to address challenges faced by students who are compelled to drop out mid-way due to financial constraints, personal responsibilities, or other circumstances. The ME-ME model not only supports re-entry but also validates learning already completed, thus preventing academic loss.

Key Highlights of the Draft Guidelines

According to the UGC, the guidelines provide a framework for implementing ME-ME across HEIs in a structured and uniform manner. Key provisions include:

Standardised credit-based learning modules aligned with the National Higher Education Qualifications Framework (NHEQF).

Clear guidelines on certification, assessment, and re-entry protocols.

Flexibility to combine vocational education with traditional academic streams, making programmes more industry-aligned and outcome-driven.

The document also emphasizes the need for HEIs to adapt their curriculum design, administrative systems, and student support services to accommodate ME-ME mechanisms effectively.

Public Consultation Open Till July 30

In its public notice, UGC has called upon students, faculty members, educational institutions, policymakers, and other stakeholders to share their comments, suggestions, and feedback on the draft guidelines. The consultation process aims to refine the framework based on ground-level insights before it is formally adopted across universities and colleges.

Stakeholders can access the draft guidelines and the public notice on UGC’s official website. Feedback may be submitted electronically until July 30, 2025.