Chennai: University Grants Commission (UGC) has directed all universities to grant degrees within 180 days of the student qualifying for the degree.
In a circular to Vice-Chancellor of all universities, UGC secretary
Jaspal S. Sandhu said the Commission has been receiving a number of complaints, representations and references in higher education regarding some universities that are not awarding degrees in time to the students.
UGC Regulations (Grant of Degrees and other award by Universities), mandate that the degree award date should be within 180 days of the date by which students are expected to qualify and become eligible for them.
“The period of 180 days is more than sufficient to perform the task, which constitutes perhaps one of the most fundamental and primary duties of a university. Withholding degree of a student, who has successfully completed his tenure in the institution of his enrolment, for whatever reasons, amounts to constraining opportunities for a student,” the circular said quoting Sandhu. “UGC has taken a serious view and will take punitive actions including withdrawal of grants or the status as university.”
