The Ahmedabad-headquartered Gujarat University (GU), the largest and oldest public university in Gujarat, is embarking on a transformative educational initiative by introducing dual degree programs for its undergraduate students. This significant move allows regular students enrolled in Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Commerce (BCom), Bachelor of Science (BSc), Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA), and Bachelor of Computer Applications (BCA) to opt for a second degree from one of 20 specialized programs under the University Grants Commission (UGC) guidelines.
According to reports, the dual degree initiative will be launched officially for the academic session starting 2025-2026, aiming to broaden student options and increase their competitiveness with foreign universities. Currently, Gujarat University offers 152 undergraduate, postgraduate, diploma, and certificate courses through its 67 departments and has approximately 15,000 students. With 325 affiliated colleges across Gujarat, the university boasts diverse faculties, including Arts, Commerce, Science, Education, Medicine, and Management.
The decision to implement dual degrees came during a recent meeting of GU's 16-member Executive Council. The council has authorized the offering of dual degrees across various disciplines, giving students the flexibility to pursue their interests without additional time constraints. Vice Chancellor Neerja Arun Gupta revealed to The Indian Express the primary motivations behind this initiative are to “save time” for students and diminish “administrative hassles.”
Not only does this initiative seek to alleviate the administrative burdens often associated with pursuing dual degrees, but it also aims to promote financial and academic autonomy for the university. The GU official emphasized, “The fee revenues of the university will increase... the move will help retain students at Gujarat University,” especially with the looming competition presented by foreign institutions establishing campuses within India.
The existing scenario typically sees students pursuing second degrees after graduation, often leading to significant time loss. With the introduction of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the UGC permitted students to enroll for two full-time degrees simultaneously, promoting broader and more flexible educational choices.
Under this initiative, students can study two full-time degrees provided there are no overlaps in their class schedules. If needed, they can attend offline classes for one degree and opt for online courses for the second. For example, students pursuing Sociology could select Yogic Science or Naturopathy as their second degree, allowing them to deepen their expertise across disciplines.
Classes for these dual degree programs are planned to be held during afternoon shifts. Vice Chancellor Gupta explained, “While regular courses are primarily run during morning hours, these 20 programs will be conducted later to accommodate students’ schedules.” The NEP allows universities to offer up to 40% of courses online, adding even more flexibility to these new offerings.
Overall, GU's approach not only promises improved preparedness for future competition but also provides students with the option to combine vocational training with academic qualifications effectively. Gupta noted, “We want students to feel the university environment and engage fully, which is why all programs will be run directly by Gujarat University.”
For students eager to broaden their qualifications and skill sets, this initiative is anticipated to provide major benefits. Not only will it allow them to diversify their knowledge across fields, but it also prepares them more strategically for the job market, enhancing their career prospects upon graduation. GU aims to incorporate additional degrees and programs as part of this dual degree initiative and to expand its offerings even more across multiple disciplines.
This innovative step reflects the university's commitment to adapting to changing educational needs and enhancing student experience. The administration's foresight aims not only to cater to competitive pressures from abroad but also to enrich the academic environment at GU, ensuring its relevance and prestige remain intact as the education sector evolves.