Special Correspondent
New Delhi : In a significant move toward flexible learning, the University Grants Commission (UGC) has released a draft of guidelines for implementing the ‘Multiple Entry and Multiple Exit’ (MEME) system in higher education. As per the National Education Policy 2020, this initiative aims to allow students the freedom to enter and exit educational programmes at different stages, making learning more accessible and adaptive to real-life needs.
Under the proposed scheme, students will be able to begin their higher education whenever they are ready and, if required, take a break after completing a specific part of the course. Later, they can rejoin from the same point where they left off—without losing academic progress. This system is expected to especially benefit students facing financial issues, health problems, or other personal challenges that disrupt continuous education.
To facilitate this, the UGC has proposed a credit-based modular structure where learners are awarded different qualifications depending on how long they stay in the programme. If a student exits after one year, they receive a certificate; after two years, a diploma; after three years, a regular degree; and if they complete four years, they receive either an Honours or a Research-based Honours degree.
The draft also specifies that the MEME system will not apply to distance education courses. For in-person academic programmes, vacant seats created due to temporary exits will be marked as ‘temporarily vacant’, allowing institutions to fill them transparently through defined processes. These guidelines aim to address logistical issues that may arise from students taking breaks mid-programme.
A key pillar of the system is the Academic Bank of Credits (ABC), which will digitally store students’ earned credits. These credits will remain valid for a certain period. If the student doesn’t return within that time, they can either have their credits reassessed or make use of Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) to resume their studies.
The UGC believes this approach will reduce dropout rates, encourage lifelong learning, and make higher education more inclusive. According to Dr. Suresh Gosavi, Vice Chancellor of Savitribai Phule Pune University, this move is promising and timely. “This structure will help students who otherwise would have been forced to abandon education midway. It also supports India’s goal to improve the Gross Enrollment Ratio (GER),” he said.
Importantly, the UGC has opened the draft guidelines for public feedback. Students, teachers, and institutions can submit their suggestions or objections until July 30, 2025.
With these proposed reforms, UGC is not just modernizing the education system—it is redefining how and when learning happens, giving students the power to pause, progress, and return to education on their own terms.
