2 degrees simultaneously via distance edu. from different universities
Rajnish
(Querist) 04 July 2013
This query is : Resolved
I had applied for MA Psychology via IGNOU in July 2012 and after a while in Sept. 2012 I had applied for MBA HR from Sikkim Manipal University (Distance Ed.). I had got Lateral entry in SMU directly to 2nd sem and thus going to complete the course of MBA in jan 2014 (in 1.5 years instead of 2 years) and MA Psychology in July 2014 (complete 2 years). So I want to enquire ..is it valid or not. and if it is not then is their any way to sort out the problem.
ajay sethi
(Expert) 04 July 2013
Two degrees simultaneously’ gets UGC boostMihika Basu : Tue Jan 08 2013, 00:22 hrs
The initiative taken by Mumbai University last year to allow its students to pursue two degree programmes simultaneously is set to get a major boost with University Grants Commission (UGC) coming up with draft recommendations to enable pursuit of an additional degree from one or different universities through distance/part-time mode.
"A student enrolled in a degree programme under regular mode may be allowed to pursue a maximum of one additional degree programme simultaneously under open/distance mode from the same or a different university. However, two degree programmes under regular mode may not be allowed simultaneously as it may create logistic, administrative and academic problems," says the minutes of the UGC expert committee meeting, which is being sent to vice chancellors of universities across the country for their suggestions before a final decision is taken.
The committee also recommended that a student pursuing a degree programme under regular mode may be allowed to pursue an additional certificate/diploma/advanced diploma/PG diploma programme simultaneously, either "in regular or open and distance mode in the same university or from other institutions".
Under the initiative introduced by Mumbai University, the scheme is restricted to two degree courses offered by the university and its affiliated colleges.
In the first year of implementation of the scheme, 17 students have enrolled for a second degree programme at Mumbai University's Institute for Distance and Open Learning (IDOL).
Rajan Welukar, Mumbai University Vice Chanellor, confirmed that the university has received the UGC letter and a reply will be sent soon.
"It is a welcome step. As per our scheme currently, students can pursue two degrees at the same time, provided they follow the rules and regulations of the university with respect to attendance, exams etc. With the changing landscape of higher education, we felt that talented and intelligent students, who have the ability to manage two courses simultaneously, should be allowed to do so," said Welukar.
ajay sethi
(Expert) 04 July 2013
www.ugc.ac.in/pdfnews/0367166_morethanonedegree.pdf‎Cached
Minutes of the meeting of the Committee to Consider the Issue of Pursuing
more than One Degree simultaneously and Joint Degree Programme.
A meeting of the Committee to consider the issue of pursuing more than one degree
simultaneously and joint degrees was held on 29th October, 2012 in the UGC Head
Office.
Following members were present:
1. Prof. Furcon Qamar, Vice-Chancellor
Central University of Himachal Pradesh Chairman
2. Prof. Manoj Kumar Mishra, Vice-Chancellor
University of Lucknow Member
3. Prof Sudhanshu Bhushan
Member
Prof lqbal Ahmad, Professor of Mathematics, JMI could not attend the meeting. UGC
officials assisted the Committee.
At the outset, the Chairman of the Committee welcomed all members and apprised
the members with the issues to be taken up.
1. To pursue more than one degree programme simultaneously:
The minutes of the earlier meetings held on 13.05.2011 and 09.07.2012 were
perused and discussed by the Committee. The changing scenario of higher
education in India and abroad also came in for discussion. The members also
discussed the pros and cons of allowing students to pursue more than one
degree simultaneously. After a detailed deliberations, following decisions
were taken:
a) A student enrolled in a degree programme under regular mode may be
allowed to pursue a maximum of one additional degree programme
simultaneously under open/distance mode from the same or a
different university. However, two degree programmes under regular
mode may not be allowed simultaneously as it may create logistic,
administrative and academic problems.
b) A student pursuing a degree programme under regular mode may be
allowed to pursue a maximum of one certificate/diploma/advanced
diploma/PG diploma programme simultaneously either in regular or
open and distance mode in the same university or from other
institutions.
NUEPA, New Delhi
2. Joint Degree Programme:
The issue of awarding Joint Degree by universities within India was also
discussed by the Committee and it was felt that apparently nothing prohibit
universities to permit their students to take and complete a part of their
programme of studies from any other recognised universities and to this
extent the joint degree programme are not only permissible by the UGC but
also needs to be encouraged. Interested universities may make necessary
enabling ordinances specifying details and procedures in this regards and
may sign Memorandum of Understanding to execute the award of joint
degrees.
Further, the Committee was of the opinion that the minutes may be sent to
the Vice-Chancellor of all universities to obtain their comments before taking
a final decision in this regards.
Raj Kumar Makkad
(Expert) 04 July 2013
There is no legal hurdle if one degree is obtained through regular course and another by way of distance education system.
Rajendra K Goyal
(Expert) 04 July 2013
Well advised by the experts, nothing more to add.
Rajnish
(Querist) 04 July 2013
but what would be the case if both degrees come under distance mode simultaneously
R.K Nanda 
(Expert) 04 July 2013
ask from concerned university.
Raj Kumar Makkad
(Expert) 05 July 2013
If both degrees come under distance system then both shall be treated as valid.
