The UGC approves 1-year master’s degree course framework for eligible students, allowing higher educational institutions to offer one-year postgraduate programmes through Open and Distance Learning (ODL) and online modes from the 2026-27 academic session.
The move is aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and provides an additional pathway for students pursuing postgraduate education.
UGC 1-Year Master’s Degree Course: Who Is Eligible?
Under the new framework, eligibility depends on the duration and structure of the student’s undergraduate degree.
– Four-year Bachelor’s degree: Students with a four-year Bachelor’s degree, including Honours or Research programmes, can be eligible for a one-year Master’s degree.
– Three-year Bachelor’s degree: Students with a three-year Bachelor’s degree continue to follow the two-year Master’s degree route.
Students should check the specific eligibility requirements of their chosen university and programme before applying.
Rules for Online and ODL Programmes
The UGC framework also sets requirements for institutions offering one-year postgraduate programmes through online or ODL modes.
Universities and other eligible Higher Educational Institutions must comply with applicable UGC regulations, recognition requirements and the prescribed curriculum and credit framework.
The one-year option should also not be treated as an automatic approval for every postgraduate or professional programme. Students must verify the recognition status of the specific programme and institution.
One-Year Master’s Programme: Admission from 2026-27
The framework is applicable for the 2026-27 academic session. Students planning to pursue a one-year Master’s degree should verify the university’s UGC recognition and the programme’s eligibility before submitting an admission application.
The UGC approves 1-year master degree course framework marks an important change in postgraduate education, particularly for students holding eligible four-year undergraduate degrees.
UGC has allowed eligible higher education institutions to offer one-year postgraduate programmes through online and ODL modes.
Eligibility depends on the UGC rules and the admission criteria prescribed by the concerned eligible institution.
Yes. Eligible institutions can offer one-year postgraduate programmes through online and Open and Distance Learning (ODL) modes, subject to applicable UGC requirements.
